Nonprofit Utopia Podcast
Formerly known as Nonprofit ”U”, the Nonprofit Utopia podcast is an extension of the ideal community for emerging nonprofit leaders. We use our podcast as an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development is the host. Topics include nonprofit management, community development, capacity building and organizational development.
Episodes

Tuesday Mar 09, 2021
Nonprofit Utopia CARES Act Forum
Tuesday Mar 09, 2021
Tuesday Mar 09, 2021
Nonprofit Utopia hosted a CARES Act forum for nonprofits, churches, performance arts organizations and small businesses on March 6, 2021, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM. The live streamed event was facilitated by Congressman Danny K. Davis, and included an update on the COVID-19 Stimulus Package.
Mark Ferguson, Illinois Deputy District Director for the SBA, shared an overview of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Paycheck Protection Program and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. We also had a panel discussion featuring Daryl Newell, President of Seaway Bank; Ronald Milsap, Vice President, Mission Deposits and CRA, Providence Bank; Lupita Guerro, Business Banking Officer, US Bank and Christyn Freemon, Founder, Project Forward.

Friday Jan 29, 2021
Unpacking the COVID-19 Stimulus Package
Friday Jan 29, 2021
Friday Jan 29, 2021
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021, passed in December, 2020, extends many relief programs from the CARES Act. It also creates several new programs and provides clarity around some of the questions brought about under the CARES Act passed last spring. We will look at some of the major provisions of the legislation and how it impacts nonprofits, small businesses and communities.

Saturday Oct 10, 2020
Using Community Networks to Maintain Environmental Sustainability
Saturday Oct 10, 2020
Saturday Oct 10, 2020
Using examples from rural and urban communities, we will talk about how local networks may be used to develop plans and strategies to address environmental justice and sustainability issues. Featured Guests: Romona Taylor Williams, Executive Director, Montgomery Citizens United for Prosperity (MCUP) Robert Fishkin, Executive Volunteer Match, Sharon "Sy" Lewis, Executive Director, Meadows Eastside Community Resource Organization (MECRO)

Monday Mar 30, 2020
Building Better Boards in the Age of Coronavirus
Monday Mar 30, 2020
Monday Mar 30, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges, the likes of which we have never seen before. Schools, churches, restaurants, nonprofits, local businesses, and nonessential government and health services are closing temporarily. The need for health and human services is increasing. We are practicing social distancing. We are conducting business and hosting public forums online. In short, our economy and quality of life as we know it, have changed, and may never be the same again.
What does this mean for you as a nonprofit board member? What should you be doing, right now, to help your organization navigate the "new normal"? Listen to the Nonprofit Utopia podcast today at 2:00 pm CST. We will
share
Updates on the COVID-19 pandemicTips for nonprofit governance during a time of crisisCoping strategies from thought leaders in the corporate, nonprofit and faith arenasThe board's role in planning for business continuanceStrategies for increased civic engagement and policy and advocacy campaignsResources that you might find to be useful in your own journey

What Critical Questions Should You Ask Before Starting A Nonprofit?
Download our FREE workbook to help you and your team find out critical questions you should ask yourselves before starting a new nonprofit, and how to proceed. Use your answers to decide whether or not to start a new organization and how to lay a strong foundation if you decide to move forward. https://nonprofit-utopia.lpages.co/questions-you-need-to-ask-before-starting-a-nonprofit/