In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Ponsford, co-founder of Gateway for Good and founder of Main Street Philanthropy. Ryan shares his journey from board member to philanthropy advocate, discussing the importance of asking tough questions and bringing various skills to the table as a board member. He dives into the origins of Main Street Philanthropy, which aims to prevent family disputes over wealth by teaching the next generation the value of giving. Through compelling stories, including his work with competing gang members and wealthy families, Ryan highlights the transformative power of philanthropy to foster vision, trust, and communication. He believes in the profound impact of giving and urges us all to start small, as kindness and empathy will follow.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:38] Ryan shares how he became a board member and why he began asking unpopular questions

• [6:11] Discussion of the role of a board member and how different boards want a variety of skills brought to the table

• [10:58] Ryan describes the genesis of Main Street Philanthropy to keep families together and not fighting each other when wealth was passed from generation to generation and his friend who was working with troubled teens

• [14:47] How an unexpected conversation can change everything, and Ryan describes his “oh crap” moment and how putting together competing gang members could work together for the good of others

• [17:42 Ryan talks about the incredible power of giving and breaks down the word philanthropy and how it spread around the country

• [25:14] Ryan’s day job is owning a wealth management firm to help families, and he gives an example of working with a wealthy family

• [31:23] Discussion around the critical question of what matters to you and how we can connect on that goes beyond money and how feelings follow actions

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Board members should be engaged and ask questions. If something doesn’t feel right or sound right, it should be challenged.

• Main Street Philanthropy’s goal is to keep kids from fighting when wealth is transferred from one generation to the next. Main Street teaches giving and investing in something bigger than yourself.

• The philanthropic process can teach vision, financial literacy, trust and communication, and the world would be better.

RESOURCES:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin

https://www.ryanponsford.com/

https://www.gatewayforgood.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanponsford

BIOGRAPHIES:

May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her clients' missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise and business law, estate planning and charitable giving.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Ryan Ponsford

My experience and credentials come from 20 years in the financial industry, both at an institutional and private level. Individuals, advisors, and families bring me into their lives to bring clarity and simplicity to complex challenges, often involving their businesses, wealth transition, giving greater impact, or providing a unique perspective on reducing risk. I've worked with families worth several hundred million dollars and those just starting their earning years. I engage business leaders to create giving programs for their companies and employees to experience the joys of giving purposefully.

I've designed and launched multiple companies, some that have worked, many that have failed miserably. In each endeavor, I learn, grow, and better understand the power of giving and service. And what have I learned? We're all just people trying to do the right things for the right reasons. We all wake up with fears and insecurities, opportunities and challenges. We're all trying to find a tribe to connect with to enjoy this experience called life more fully.

Welcome to The Nonprofit Counsel podcast, hosted by May Harris, Esq.. In today's episode, we are honored to feature Tania Marino, a dedicated leader at Gather, a food pantry serving over 10,000 people in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Tania spearheads Gather's innovative culinary programs, which address the pressing issue of food shortages and the challenge of providing nutritious meals to those who cannot afford them. Gather's impact extends beyond the traditional pantry, with a mobile unit, innovative programs, and market reaching even more people in need. Tania shares her journey in this inspiring conversation, the incredible work done through the Seacoast Waste Not coalition, and the powerful relationships that have fueled their success. From feeding children to supporting older adults, Gather's story is a testament to the power of community and perseverance.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:49] May describes how she and Tania know each other and their mutual connection to the USA rugby program

• [2:00] Tania shares how she became involved with the women’s rugby team, and she points out they had the only female coach at the Paris Olympic games

• [5:40] Gather was founded over 200 years ago in New Hampshire. Tania describes the food shortage problem and how they aim to meet the needs

• [13:36] It takes three kitchens where food is repurposed, which are run by staff, but volunteers are a necessity, and she explains how the Seacoast Waste Not coalition works

• [16:47] Tania reflects that much of their success is through relationship building, and she states when there are naysayers, you should never give up

• [21:56] Tania shares her journey in becoming involved with Gather

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Through the Seacoast Waste Not coalition, food is gathered from a number of sources that will throw out food at the end of the day. Now Gather distributes food that would have otherwise been wasted.

• Gather serves 7,500 meals daily, and 93% of those meals are donated food.

• Gather is supported by volunteers who give their time and energy to feed the hungry nutritious meals.

RESOURCES:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin

Gather - Website

Tania Marino - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHIES:

May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her clients' missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise and business law, estate planning and charitable giving.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Tania leads Gather’s culinary programs: Cooking 4 Community (C4C), the Gather Café at Great Bay Community College, Gather Café catering, and the UNH Project. She joined the Gather team in 2019 after volunteering in the cooking program for two years. She studied economics at the University of Auckland and worked globally in international finance as a financial analyst and currency trader before transitioning to the nonprofit sector as a board member and direct service volunteer.

Growing up on a farm in New Zealand, food has always been central to Tania’s life. She has always been interested in food sustainability around the world, and her passion for entertaining fuels her desire to create delicious and nutritious meals that support the environment and reduce food insecurity. Outside of work, Tania enjoys playing and coaching tennis, scuba diving, having fun with family and friends, and following the sunshine to faraway spots!

Welcome to The Nonprofit Counsel podcast, hosted by May Harris, Esq.. In today's episode, we are honored to feature Traci DeForge, the founder of Produce Your Podcast and Co-Founder of The Podcast Professionals Association. Traci shares the mission of Produce Your Podcast, the producer of The Nonprofit Counsel podcast, and discusses the inspiration behind co-founding The Podcast Professionals Association. The conversation delves into the importance of hiring a professional to guide you through the steps of starting a nonprofit correctly, explores the differences between a 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(6), and provides insights on compensating founders. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone looking to start a nonprofit or those working in the nonprofit sector with questions.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:16] Traci discusses the goals of Produce Your Podcast, starting the nonprofit Podcast Professionals Association and discussion of the launch of May’s book last August, How To Start A Nonprofit That Will Change The World

• [8:41] Discussion of the differences between 501C3 and 501C6

• [15:40] Traci shares her business journeys and being intimidated by the various regulations of starting a nonprofit, and May shares that respect for the rules is required

• [21:04] Traci discusses how May assisted her in setting up the Podcast Professionals Association nonprofit and discussion the compensation founders

• [30:04] Details of determining compensation for co-founders

• [36:36] Discussion of who will benefit from May’s book and the audio version coming out in August, and Traci highly recommends listeners purchase May’s book from Amazon and download the audio version

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• If you want to start a non-profit, contact a professional who can help you navigate the steps to avoid future penalties.

• Most people are only aware of the designation of a 501C3. However, there are other designations a nonprofit can take. A professional can help you make those decisions.

• To begin a nonprofit, one must have a healthy respect for the regulations and the IRS. This isn’t a fear; it’s learning and respecting the rules.

RESOURCES:

For Profit Law Group - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Website

Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram

Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin

Traci DeForge - Produce Your Podcast - LinkedIn

Produce Your Podcast - Website

How To Start A Nonprofit That Will Change The World Book

BIOGRAPHIES:

May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Traci is recognized as an international podcast expert, sought-after speaker, and media contributor featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, CTV, Fortune.com, and American Express Open. She co-hosts Ask Brien Radio Show on KHTS AM & FM, Los Angeles, CA. Produce Your Podcast was named by Media & Entertainment Business Review as a Top 10 Podcasting Services Provider 2024. Her 30-year professional career reflects a unique combination of Award Winning Mixed Media Production, Business Consulting, and Broadcast Radio Expertise. This powerful combination led to the founding of Produce Your Podcast, a premier podcast consulting & production agency providing a comprehensive, full-service, high-quality solution to incorporating podcasting into B2B and B2C clients' overall digital marketing strategy. She is the creator of PodHive, an online community for business growth-focused podcasters, The Podcast Management Academy, the industry's only certification program for Podcast Managers & Co-Founder of The Podcast Professionals Association.