How can nonprofits use podcasting strategically to strengthen community engagement, support learning and evaluation, and build long-term relationships? In episode 146 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton and Andrea Klunder, founder of Creative Imposter Studios discuss:

• how nonprofits can use podcasting intentionally—not as a shiny communications add-on that fizzles after the original project champion leaves the organization, but as a tool that solves real organizational problems.

• How podcasting is a flexible medium that can support learning, evaluation, community engagement, and long-term relationship building.

• Why it's so important to integrate the podcast across communications functions,

Together they explore why clarity of purpose, sustainability planning, and human-centered storytelling are essential if a nonprofit podcast is going to be worth the investment.

Episode highlights:

Guest Bio:

Andrea Klunder is an award-winning podcast producer, story editor, and content director. She is the founder of The Creative Impostor Studios, a boutique agency that helps cultural changemakers create powerful podcasting experiences. Under her leadership, The Creative Impostor Studios and clients have earned national recognition for their inspired impact and distinctive editorial style. Andrea is a sought-after speaker and educator, having led trainings and workshops for institutions such as Community Change, After School Matters, University of Florida Media Institute, and Podcast Movement. Since 2017, Andrea has facilitated a program she designed for neurodiverse high school students in Chicago, called Power Your Story, which was a finalist for the Google Podcasts Creator Program. Andrea's mission is to help your voice shine!

Important Links and Resources:

Andrea Klunder

The Creative Impostor

After School Matters

Offer for Nonprofit Mission: Impact listeners

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The nonprofit sector is under growing pressure, and this episode explores what's at stake while making the case for its essential role in filling gaps, strengthening democracy, building community, and driving social change—grounded in a personal story of impact through The Arc of Montgomery County.

In this special Podcasthon episode, Nonprofit Mission: Impact host Carol Hamilton situates the nonprofit sector within a broader moment of political and social pressure, naming both the challenges facing the sector and the essential role nonprofits play in society.

She:
- reflects on the sector's relative invisibility despite its scale and impact,
- offers five core reasons nonprofits matter—from filling critical gaps to advancing social innovation.

Alongside this broader perspective, she grounds the conversation in a personal story, highlighting The Arc of Montgomery County and its impact on her brother's life.

The episode invites nonprofit leaders to more actively share their stories, advocate for the sector, and recognize their role in strengthening democracy and community.

Episode Highlights
[00:00:00] Podcasthon introduction and purpose
[00:01:00] The scale and visibility of the nonprofit sector
[00:03:00] Current threats to the nonprofit sector
[00:04:00] Policy and funding impacts on nonprofits
[00:05:00] Broader consequences for services and communities
[00:06:00] Examples of resistance and sector response
[00:07:00] Trust, visibility, and the need for storytelling
[00:08:00] Five reasons the nonprofit sector matters
[00:09:00] Nonprofits fill critical gaps
[00:10:00] Role in social movements
[00:11:00] Building social capital and connection
[00:12:00] Strengthening democracy and civic life
[00:13:00] Promoting social innovation
[00:15:00] Recap of the sector's importance
[00:17:00] Introduction to The Arc of Montgomery County
[00:18:00] Services, mission, and advocacy of The Arc

Links and Resources

Podcasthon 2026

The Arc of Montgomery County

The National Council of Nonprofits

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📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact

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Too many nonprofit and association conferences and convenings are built around logistics and tradition rather than purpose and participation. In episode 144 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Lee Gimpel challenge nonprofit and association leaders to rethink how convenings, conferences, and member events are designed.

They discuss:

• why too many gatherings feel like a heavy lift that fails to deliver connection, energy, or real value.

• why traditional conference formats fall short—and what leaders can do differently.

• How effective events start with purpose, not logistics, and they are designed to tap the collective wisdom already in the room.

By centering participation, intentional connection, and simple facilitation shifts, organizations can transform events from passive, draining experiences into energizing spaces that actually advance mission and strengthen community.

Episode highlights:

Guest Bio:

Lee Gimpel helps organizations design and lead meetings, retreats, and conferences that are more connected and productive. He is the founder ofBetter Meetings, a DC-based facilitation, training, and experience design firm that often works on events with a high need for engagement, collaboration, and networking. Clients include theNational Association of Realtors, Conservation International, Sodexo, and WorldBank. A frequent expert contributor toForbeson the topic of meetings, he created theConference Engagement Cards and serves on the board of the Association of Meeting Professionals

Important Links and Resources:

Lee Gimpel

Better Meetings

Facilitation processes mentioned:

• World Cafe - https://theworldcafe.com/key-concepts-resources/world-cafe-method/

• Fishbowl - 60 Second Tutorial - How to Facilitate Fishbowl

• Peer Consulting - https://contemporaryleadership.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/PLC-Whitepaper.pdf

• Conversation Cafe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COuFdEouvRQ

• Liberating Structures - https://www.liberatingstructures.com/

• Pechakucha - https://www.pechakucha.com/

• Ignite - https://www.ignitetalks.io/

Be in Touch:

✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them

📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact

👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend

🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review.

😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn