Best Community Centric Fundraising Podcasts (2025)

Meet Zahraa 🤝, the inspiring founder of Arab Women United. Zahraa’s vision is simple but powerful: to create spaces where Arab, immigrant, and first-generation women feel seen, supported, and empowered. What started as a small college club has grown into a thriving nonprofit offering culturally grounded programs that nurture mental wellness, econom…

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645. Fundraising That Lasts: 8 Practical Strategies for Retention, Revenue, and Campaigns - Tesha McCord Poe 40:52

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11h ago40:52

40:52

Meet Tesha McCord Poe 🤝, the CEO + Founder of Joy-Raising. The fundraising trailblazer and the visionary behind Joy Raising. Tesha generously shares her authentic journey into fundraising—full of lessons learned and real-world wisdom. She offers practical, proven strategies to keep your donors connected and engaged, even when the going gets tough. …

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The Power of the Inbox 34:48

23m ago34:48

34:48

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644. How One Org Raised $267,000 in Donor Advised Funds in Just One Day - Trish Davis and Mitch Stein 36:09

4h ago36:09

36:09

Meet Trish + Mitch 🤝 — Trish Davis, VP of Major Gifts + Planned Giving at Susan G. Komen, and Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot. Together, they’re reshaping the future of charitable giving. Trish shares her inspiring path from military service to leading transformational fundraising initiatives at Susan G. Komen, while Mitch is on a mission …

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Event goals and strategies with Hannah Hegman 47:22

8d ago47:22

47:22

Hannah Hegeman is the Vice President of Event Strategy and Development for Do Good Events "a woman-owned, award-winning Event Planning company headquartered in Minneapolis. We love being a part of bringing a lot of good into the world through events; after all, that was the inspiration for our name!" Hannah joins host Steve Boland to talk about eve…

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AI in Nonprofits: Re-engaging Your Community 18:30

7d ago18:30

18:30

Send us a text Storytelling is the heartbeat of nonprofit fundraising - and now, AI is giving organizations new ways to capture and share those stories while still keeping a human touch at the center. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio sits down with Gustavo Zylberberg, Co-founder and CEO of Vitalcy, an AI-powered alumni enga…

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643. How to Build a Volunteer-Centric Culture + Mobilize Your Volunteers - Jennifer Sirangelo, Points of Light 43:00

21h ago43:00

43:00

Meet Jennifer 🤝, the President + CEO of Points of Light. She’s leading the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service—mobilizing nearly 4 million volunteers across 32 countries to create healthier, more equitable communities where everyone can thrive. In this episode, Jennifer shares her own story—from her early days as a volunteer…

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642. How to Break Down Silos + Pilot Innovation in Your Nonprofit - Nelle Miller, All Faiths Food Bank 45:26

16d ago45:26

45:26

Meet Nelle 🤝, the President + CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. From her start as a board member to leading the largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, Nelle’s journey is all about stepping up with heart, vision, and a deep commitment to community. In this episode, she shares the innovative ways her team is reimagining food a…

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Donor Stewardship: Community-Centric Segmentation and Practices 28:30

7d ago28:30

28:30

Send us a text Your top donors don’t just write big cheques; they could be folding newsletters in your conference room every Tuesday or serving on your board for the third consecutive year. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, we're exploring on what it means to steward supporters through a Community-Centric Fundraising lens. We're shari…

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641. 7 Tips to Building a Thriving Volunteer Program - Nicole Stewart, Boston CASA 36:47

8d ago36:47

36:47

Meet Nicole 🤝, the Executive Director of Boston CASA, a nonprofit that trains and supports volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children affected by abuse and neglect. With over 25 years in education and nonprofit leadership, Nicole has dedicated her career to improving the lives of vulnerable children and driving systemic c…

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640. Policy, Funding, and Talent: 8 Nonprofit Trends Leaders Can’t Ignore - Stacy Palmer, The Chronicle of Philanthropy 47:47

16d ago47:47

47:47

Meet Stacy 🤝, the dynamic CEO of The Chronicle of Philanthropy and a true force for good in the nonprofit sector. In this episode, we explore Stacy's journey from a curious student journalist to a leader transforming the landscape of philanthropy. Stacy shares her insights on the future of fundraising, the impact of new generations of donors, and t…

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Website Optimization with Lou Kotsinis 50:32

14d ago50:32

50:32

Lou Kotsinis is the CEO and Co-Founder of BCS Interactive, a digital marketing agency that "helps non-profits, foundations and educational institutions make their mark on the world." Lou chats with host KD Bauer about concepts that nonprofits should consider when it comes to their organization's website. Describing a website as a "living, breathing…

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Why DEI Fails in Nonprofits (and How to Do It Right) 27:11

14d ago27:11

27:11

Send us a text Is your nonprofit struggling to turn DEI intentions into meaningful action? Fear, burnout, and performative allyship often hold us back from creating truly equitable organizations. But what if we could move beyond discomfort into sustainable change? In this episode, Maria sits down with Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, an equity educator and …

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639. 5 Steps to Launch Campaigns That Scale: Lessons from BLM’s Black Play Matters - Cicley Gay 37:44

16d ago37:44

37:44

Meet Cicley 🤝 She’s the Board Chairwoman of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, where she’s shaping the future of racial justice and philanthropy with love, transparency, and community at the center. In this episode, Cicley takes us inside her journey from grassroots activism to leading a global movement. You’ll get the inside scoop o…

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638. Leading Through Organizational Change: Practical Lessons for Nonprofit Leaders - Jesse Sanchez, The Neurodiversity Alliance 42:52

21d ago42:52

42:52

Meet Jesse 🤝 – the dynamic president of The Neurodiversity Alliance and a true champion for seeing the brilliance in every mind. From navigating ADHD and learning differences to finding his voice at UC Berkeley and leading with purpose in the tech world, Jesse’s story is one of resilience, passion, and possibility. He opens up about the mentors who…

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Social Enterprise: Earned Revenue for Nonprofits 20:03

21d ago20:03

20:03

Send us a text Social enterprises aren't only about earning or diversifying revenue; they’re key to finding creative, sustainable ways to advance your mission while serving your community with dignity. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio chats with Tom Armitage, who has been leading The SEED, a project of the Guelph Commu…

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637. Building Movements, Not Campaigns: Agency, Belief + Community for Nonprofits - Eric Brown, Whiteboard 33:35

23d ago33:35

33:35

Meet Eric 🤝, Co-Founder of Whiteboard and a creative visionary helping purpose-driven brands change the world. From growing up in a log house in Georgia to partnering with changemakers worldwide, Eric’s story is rooted in belief, values, and community. His work spans digital branding, platform development, activation campaigns, and team training fo…

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The Network Myth: A Hiring Red Flag 16:23

1M ago16:23

16:23

Send us a text Relying on a fundraiser’s personal network isn’t a fundraising strategy; it’s a shortcut that can cost your nonprofit big in the long run. In this episode, Maria Rio and Caitlin McBride unpack why this common hiring question is a major red flag, what it reveals about an organization’s approach to fundraising, and how small nonprofits…

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636. Making a Movement: Empowering Action - Jon and Becky 30:24

1M ago30:24

30:24

We’ve reached the final chapter of our Making a Movement series, and we’re leaning all in on what it truly means to empower action. This episode is a celebration of the heartbeat behind every movement: community. You’ll hear the inspiring story of Hannah Lowe, a fearless mom on a mission who rallied her village to raise $2 million for her son’s lif…

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5 Trends Redefining Nonprofits by 2035 28:44

1M ago28:44

28:44

Send us a text The nonprofit world is changing FAST - and the way we fundraise, build teams, and connect with communities is being rewritten in real time. If you’ve been feeling the tension between keeping your nonprofit afloat today and preparing for tomorrow, this episode is a must-listen. In this solo episode, Maria Rio dives into five powerful …

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635. Making a Movement: Voice + Vision - Jon and Becky 30:07

1M ago30:07

30:07

Every movement starts with a message—but how do you make yours truly stick? In this reflective episode of Making a Movement: Voice + Vision, Jon and Becky revisit some of the most powerful voices from past conversations to explore the heart of messaging that moves people. It’s not just about what you say—it’s how you say it, who hears it, and wheth…

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Next in Nonprofits 207 - Ballot initiatives with Chris Melody Fields Figueredo 44:53

1M ago44:53

44:53

Chris Melody Fields Figueredo is the executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, "a nationwide movement-building infrastructure organization that leverages ballot measures across the United States to strengthen democracy; center people of color, queer, low-income, immigrant, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities; advance r…

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Custom GPTs for Nonprofits A Step-by-Step Guide by Maria Rio 16:54

1M ago16:54

16:54

Send us a text About The Episode AI is here to stay, and many nonprofits are already embracing it. In this episode, we break down how you can set up your own custom GPT to save time, boost donor engagement, and make your team’s life a whole lot easier. Whether you're writing thank-you emails, managing volunteers, or brainstorming fundraising ideas,…

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634. Making a Movement: Organize + Optimize - Jon and Becky 30:58

2M ago30:58

30:58

Movements don’t just happen—they’re built with intention, structure, and a whole lot of heart. In this episode of Making a Movement, Becky Endicott and Jon McCoy dive deep into what it really takes to turn mission into momentum. From designing systems that fuel impact to creating space for people to show up and thrive, this conversation is all abou…

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People-First Leadership for Nonprofits with Marisa Tran and Maria Rio 25:40

2M ago25:40

25:40

Send us a text Ever tried to juggle visionary ideas, tight budgets, and a team that spans every learning style under the sun? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria sits down with management coach and EDI powerhouse Marisa Tran (they/them) to unpack what “people-first, consent-based leadership” really looks like when you’re running a small s…

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633. Making a Movement: Mobilize with Purpose - Jon and Becky 28:59

2M ago28:59

28:59

What turns a good idea into a movement? In this episode, Jon and Becky explore how purpose—when it’s clear, actionable, and rooted in emotion—becomes the driving force behind real change. You’ll hear how Scott Harrison rebuilt trust in giving through Charity: Water, how Sara Cunningham sparked a nationwide movement with Free Mom Hugs, and how Aidan…

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Data enrichment with Todd Baylis 40:55

2M ago40:55

40:55

Todd Baylis is the Chief Customer Officer of Bloomerang, a data management system designed to "manage your entire constituent ecosystem, including donors, volunteers, sponsors, grant givers, and more. Your result: higher fundraising revenue and less donor attrition. " Todd joins host Steve Boland to talk about encouraging your audiences (supporters…

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Planned Giving and Community-Centric Fundraising with Chantelle Ohrling and Maria Rio 23:10

2M ago23:10

23:10

Send us a text Good Works estimates that a staggering $280 billion in estate wealth is expected to flow into Canadian charities. That’s not a number small nonprofits can afford to overlook. Planned giving doesn’t have to be exclusive, intimidating, or tax-code-heavy. In this episode, we dive into how small nonprofits can approach planned giving in …

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632. Making a Movement: How Movements Begin - Spark, Belief + Generosity - Seth Godin 38:44

2M ago38:44

38:44

Meet Seth. 🤝 Bestselling author and movement maker Seth Godin joins us to share what it really takes to create meaningful change. From Purple Cow to The Song of Significance, Seth’s work has inspired generations to lead with heart, strategy, + courage. In this powerful conversation, he unpacks how to build movements through empathy, creativity, + b…

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631. Change Leadership, Critical Hope + Building Cultures We Don’t Have to Heal From - Lindsey Fuller, Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott 44:20

2M ago44:20

44:20

We’re closing out this series with a powerful conversation that redefines what leadership can look like. Lindsay Fuller of The Teaching Well joins us to explore how leading with courage starts right where you are—not with a title, but with intention. We unpack big ideas: hope as a daily practice, resilience as a rhythm, and policies that reflect li…

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Realistic fundraising goals: Budgeting for Nonprofits with Maria and Caitlin 26:20

2M ago26:20

26:20

Send us a text Too many small nonprofits build their budgets on optimism alone, dreaming big without the strategy or infrastructure to back it up. This episode is all about why that’s a problem, and how to stop the cycle of setting fundraising goals that hurt more than they help. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria Rio and co-host Caitlin…

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630. From One Wish to a Movement: Disney & Make-A-Wish’s 45-Year Journey - Jamie Sandys + Tajiana Ancora-Brown 38:26

2M ago38:26

38:26

Meet Jamie & Tajiana. 🤝 What happens when Disney and Make-A-Wish team up? Pure magic. For 45 years, this powerhouse partnership has granted over 150,000 wishes—bringing joy, healing, and unforgettable moments to kids and families when they need it most. Enter Tajiana Ancora-Brown from Disney and Jamie Sandys from Make-A-Wish: two hearts leading wit…

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Gather At The Well: Leaving Well - Rest, Sabbaticals + Human-Centered Transitions - Lindsey Fuller and Naomi Hattaway 49:40

3M ago49:40

49:40

In this soul-nourishing conversation, Lindsey Fuller is joined by strategist, storyteller, and founder of the Leaving Well framework, Naomi Hattaway. Together, they unpack what it means to lead with intention, especially when it comes to rest, sabbaticals, and workplace transitions that truly center people. From micro-sabbaticals to full-scale cult…

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Responding to attacks with Greg Harrell-Edge 44:30

2M ago44:30

44:30

Greg Harrell-Edge is the founder of Proimpact Project, which is "Supporting nonprofit leaders with content and a community to scale impact." Greg talks to host Steve Boland about the need for early response, and more frequent responses, when nonprofits and social good missions are attacked. Keeping the tone authentic about your work and the real im…

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Fundraising Psychology: Using Cognitive Biases for Good 18:09

2M ago18:09

18:09

Send us a text Street fundraising teaches you more than grit, it teaches you the psychology of yes. Maria shares how to use these powers for good. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria shares real-world insights from her time as a face-to-face fundraiser, where she learned the science and subtlety behind why people say yes. It’s abo…

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629. A Call to Kinship: Reimagining Generosity and Connection (Birgit Smith Burton, Mide Akerewusi and Nneka Allen) 55:41

2M ago55:41

55:41

This is a conversation our hearts have been waiting for. It’s a powerful gathering of voices answering a call that feels more timely—and more necessary—than ever: a call to kinship. In this episode, we sit down with three extraordinary leaders: Birgit Smith Burton, Mide Akerewusi, and Nneka Allen. They bring deep wisdom, lived experience, and a glo…

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628. Multiplication Mindset: How Responsive Fundraisers Build Movements - Jon and Becky 50:12

3M ago50:12

50:12

Fundraising doesn’t have to feel transactional—and it shouldn’t. This episode comes straight from the virtual stage of the Responsive Nonprofit Summit (RNS)—and it's packed with the kind of mindset shift we all need right now. Jon and Becky explore how moving from an "addition" mindset to a multiplication mindset can unlock transformational change …

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Marketing Without Harm: How Nonprofits Can Communicate With Integrity 24:20

3M ago24:20

24:20

Send us a text Marketing doesn’t have to mean manipulation. But for many small nonprofits, common practices like donor recognition, emotional appeals, and urgency-driven fundraising can unintentionally cause harm. In this episode, Maria and anti-oppressive marketer Natalia Sanyal unpack how to shift your messaging and methods without compromising y…

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627. Healing Through Conversation: Building Trust in Polarizing Times - Katie Hyten, Essential Partners 36:56

3M ago36:56

36:56

Meet Katie 🤝, the Co-Executive Director of Essential Partners. She’s helping communities navigate tough conversations and build trust across divides. With a background in international negotiation and conflict resolution from Tufts University’s Fletcher School, Katie brings deep expertise in dialogue, identity, and civic action. In this episode, we…

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Gather At The Well: Human-Centered Offboarding - Lindsey Fuller 38:26

3M ago38:26

38:26

How do we navigate the hardest moments in leadership, without losing sight of our values? This week on Gather at the Well, Lindsey Fuller returns to explore a topic that doesn’t often get the care it deserves: offboarding. Whether it’s layoffs, transitions, or role closures, Lindsey reminds us that how we say goodbye matters just as much as how we …

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Advocacy, 501 (c) 3 and 501 (c) 4 with Kat Rohn of Outfront Minnesota 42:49

3M ago42:49

42:49

Kat Rohn is the Executive Director of Outfront Minnesota, as well as Outfront Minnesota Community Services! Kat joins host Steve Boland to talk about advocacy in the nonprofit sector with a focus on the differences between 501 (c) 3 organizations (purely public charities with tax deductible contributions) and 501 (c) 4 nonprofits (social welfare or…

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Nonprofit Leadership: Practical Tools to Reduce Burnout 23:48

3M ago23:48

23:48

Send us a text Running a small nonprofit often means juggling strategy, people, programs, and inbox chaos, all while making what feels like a million decisions a day. If you’ve ever felt stuck between leading and just trying to keep up, this episode is for you. In this candid and insightful conversation, Maria chats with returning guest Veronica La…

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626. Building a Renewed Narrative with Community (and breaking old story myths!) - Rebecca Bernard, Tim Lampkin, Vivian Borja, Stacy Huston 36:00

3M ago36:00

36:00

In this episode, we’re diving into a powerful panel conversation about rewriting the narratives that shape our sector. You’ll hear from visionary leaders— Rebecca Bernard, Timothy Lampkin, Vivian Borja and Stacy Huston —as they unpack how we move towards narratives that center community voice, dignity, and truth. Together, they explore how we can c…

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Building a Fundraising Board 23:20

3M ago23:20

23:20

Send us a text Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Building a Fundraising Board Fundraising isn’t about money; it’s about PEOPLE. And some of your most powerful people? Your board. In this episode, we dive into the challenges small nonprofits face when trying to activate their boards around fundraising. From fear of asking to a total misunderst…

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625. Hold Fast: 8 Takeaways on Finding Resilience + Clarity - Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott 27:19

3M ago27:19

27:19

What does it look like to hold fast and move forward—at the same time? In this heart-filled wrap-up of our ImpactUp series, Jon + Becky reflect on eight powerful lessons that emerged from this season’s conversations around resilience, clarity, and building momentum in times of uncertainty. From grounding ourselves in community to embracing the unkn…

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Gather At The Well: Understanding and Healing Compassion Fatigue - Lindsey Fuller and Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison 46:10

4M ago46:10

46:10

In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison (or Dr. J, as many call her) to explore the often unspoken reality of compassion fatigue in human-centered work. Physical exhaustion? Increased irritability? Social withdrawal? These might be signs of compassion fatigue—and you're not alone. Dr. J connects her personal experience with pr…

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How to create a GREAT fundraising strategy for your small nonprofit 21:29

4M ago21:29

21:29

Send us a text Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you want to learn how my company helps nonprofits create a fundraising plan, this link will explain: https://www.gofurthertogether.ca/discoverycall How to create a GREAT fundraising strategy for your small nonprofit Every thriving nonprofit starts with a plan, not a guess. In this episode of…

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The Rebranding Journey with James Dismond 46:11

3M ago46:11

46:11

James Dismond, CEO of Mirasol Health chats with host KD Bauer about a 2-year rebranding journey the organization recently undertook. James shares insights in how the organization collaborated across teams, stakeholders, and community to identify where audiences' perceptions and experiences misaligned with elements of the 40-year old brand. From sur…

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624. Hold Fast: How ImpactUp Hosts Are Fostering Community IRL - Crystal Clark, Lisa Gareau, Bart Lillie and Keicy Cabrera 44:08

4M ago44:08

44:08

We’re leaning into the theme Hold Fast—and exploring how community becomes our anchor in the midst of change. 💛 In this heart-filled episode, we’re joined by four of our Impact Up meetup hosts who are building something special in their corners of the world—from Denver to DC, Calgary to Caracas. Together, they’re proving that authentic connection a…