Nonprofit Utopia Podcast

Nonprofit Utopia Impact Circle Information Session

What does it really take to build a fundable, credible, and sustainable nonprofit—especially in today’s uncertain funding environment?In this information session, Nonprofit Utopia Founder Valerie F. Leonard introduces the Nonprofit Utopia Impact Circle, a working community for nonprofit founders and executive directors who want to strengthen fundraising systems and stop doing this work alone.This is not a training or a tactics-heavy webinar.Instead, this session explores:-Why many nonprofits don’t get funded—even when the work is good-The most common fundraising gaps holding organizations back-How leaders move from reactive fundraising to intentional strategy-What changes when nonprofits stop chasing money and start building systems-What the Impact Circle focuses on—and why the real work happens inside community-You’ll also hear about the monthly fundraising-focused themes, the structure of the Impact Circle, and who this community is (and is not) designed for.Who this session is for:-Nonprofit founders and executive directors-Leaders seeking to raise their first $25,000 or increase fundraising by 25%-Organizations ready to strengthen credibility, compliance, and sustainability-Leaders who value integrity, accountability, and peer learningWho this session is not for:-Shortcut seekers-Passive learners-Anyone looking for one-off tips without doing the workThe Nonprofit Utopia Impact Circle launches January 5Learn more: Email info@nonprofitutopia.comImportant NoteThe frameworks and concepts shared in this session are proprietary to Nonprofit Utopia, LLC. This video provides an overview of focus areas—not the methods, tools, or processes used inside the Impact Circle.© 2026 Nonprofit Utopia, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Webinar-Before You Start: 31 Questions You Should Ask Before Starting A Nonprofit

Starting a nonprofit organization will require your team's attention to detail, and your ability to fund its mission and meet community needs while adapting to change. It can take nonprofit leaders years to get their organizations off the ground because they don't know where to start, or where to go to get help to keep the organization going. We created this webinar to help you cut to the chase and to decide whether or not to start a new nonprofit. We have also included a complimentary workbook to help you follow along during the webinar and to begin to think through critical issues. Answering these guiding questions will help you save time, money and effort. Whether you decide to start a new organization, put your ideas on hold, or even abandon the idea of starting a nonprofit, you will find that the time you spend answering these questions will be well-spent. -Clarify who you want to serve and why -Identify service gaps in your community -Uncover potential partnerships -Outline your unique approach to solving problems -Determine whether now is the right time to launch Download the workbook here: https://nonprofit-utopia.lpages.co/qu...

90 Days To A New Nonprofit

Coming July 1, 2025: 90 Days to A New Nonprofit™ – A Clear Path from Idea to Impact You’ve got a vision for change—a nonprofit idea that keeps you up at night because you know the world needs it. But like so many others, you may find yourself stuck before you even start. The legal hurdles, the paperwork, the pressure to “get it right”—it all feels overwhelming.
 
Join us as we unpack a powerful new resource designed to change that. 90 Days to A New Nonprofit™ is a structured, founder-centered course launching July 1, 2025. It walks you through the entire process of launching a nonprofit—from validating your idea to filing your paperwork, building your board, defining your mission, and laying the foundation for long-term success. This isn’t just theory. It’s a step-by-step framework developed by nonprofit veteran Valerie F. Leonard, whose two decades of experience have helped nearly a thousand founders raise over $100 million.
 
The LEGACY™ Framework at the heart of this course is built on what actually works in the real world, with tools and guidance that simplify complex processes. In the video, we explore what makes this program so unique—from its weekly structure and practical templates to the support systems that keep you moving forward with confidence. Whether you're new to the sector or finally ready to stop spinning your wheels, this might be the clear starting point you've been waiting for.
 
If you’ve felt overwhelmed, uncertain, or just unsure of how to move forward with your nonprofit dream, this is your invitation to take that first confident step. We will be launching on July 1, 2025, with the first class starting July 18th. Learn more and get on the waitlist:https://bit.ly/4kyxIJF

Nonprofit Fork In the Road: Navigating the Trump-Musk Policy Maze

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has had far-reaching consequences for the nonprofit sector, as many organizations rely on federal funding, regulatory stability, and government partnerships to fulfill their missions. With mass layoffs, budget cuts, and policy shifts under DOGE, nonprofits are facing significant challenges. Join us for an enlightening conversation on the impact of DOGE on nonprofits, and how they can pivot for success in this current environment.