December 4, 2025

Episode 32: Turning $1 Into $3: How OCHF Builds Real Community Impact 

This episode of The Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast features an honest, open conversation with Traci Spour-Lafrance, Executive Director of the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation — the team supporting 33,000 people across 155 communities, including 12,000 kids and youth. Traci walks us through what it really looks like to keep programs running at that scale, especially when funding shifts and the needs in the community keep growing. 

October 15, 2025

Episode 31: How this nonprofit leader turned a strategic plan into real sustainability

Every nonprofit wants to build something that lasts — but sustainability can feel like a moving target. In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Cherry Chan sits down with Melissa Shahin, Chief Strategy Officer at AFMC, to talk about what sustainability actually looks like when strategy meets execution. 

October 15, 2025

Episode 30: How To Build Community (and Cash Flow) Without Big Budgets

In this Unfiltered Nonprofit conversation, Cherry sits down with Tara Shannon, Executive Director of the Ottawa Festival Network (OFN), which represents more than 100 festivals across arts, music, and culture. 

October 2, 2025

Episode 29: How Listening Helped this CEO Unlock Major Gifts and Stronger Donors

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Cherry Chan sits down with Chris McGarvey, CEO of the Canadian Nurses Foundation, to unpack nearly 30 years of nonprofit fundraising leadership. Chris shares how listening first—to staff, boards, and donors—has shaped his career and why it remains the most powerful strategy for cultivating trust and raising significant funds. 

September 18, 2025

Episode 28: Collaboration That Turns Competition into New Revenue 

Cherry interviews Vaia Dimas, ED of the Almonte General Hospital–Fairview Manor Foundation, on leading a small-but-mighty shop—and why donor education matters when equipment isn’t government-funded.
They walk through streamlining events (goodbye sprawling auctions), focusing on high-yield tactics, diversifying revenue, and leaning on discipline—and a leadership circle—when the job feels isolating.
A donor-sparked joint lottery with a neighbouring hospital shows how collaboration creates net-new dollars and shares the workload instead of splitting the pie.

August 7, 2025

Episode 27: Why $5 Donors Matter More Than You Think in Nonprofit Growth

Nicole Thibeault shares how Canadian Parents for French doubled its revenue through smart diversification, modest program fees, and building a culture of philanthropy where even $5 donors matter. She also reveals her two-year succession plan and practical strategies every nonprofit can use to strengthen sustainability and leadership.

August 7, 2025

Episode 26: From Food Bank to Financial Sustainability: How Eden Food for Change Generates Revenue Through Social Enterprise

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, host Cherry Chan sits down with Peter Costello, Executive Director of Eden Food for Change, to discuss a powerful example of nonprofit revenue generation in action. Eden, originally a traditional food bank, now generates 42% of its operating budget through an innovative commercial kitchen model.

July 17, 2025

Episode 25: How Community Bonds Helped a Nonprofit Outbid Developers

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Cherry Chan speaks with Mike Bulthuis, Executive Director of the Ottawa Community Land Trust (OCLT), about how his organization is rethinking nonprofit fundraising.

June 19, 2025

Episode 24: From Crisis Lines to Billboards: How Unsinkable is Changing Mental Health Narratives

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Cherry Chan speaks with Hailey Hechtman, Executive Director of Unsinkable, a national nonprofit mental health organization founded by Olympian Silken Laumann.

May 11, 2025

Episode 23: From Zero to 400+ members – The Power of Industry Advocacy

In this episode of The Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, I sit down with Erin Benjamin, President and CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association, to talk about what it really takes to build something from nothing. Erin launched the association in 2014 with no staff, no logo, and no office—and today, it has over 400 members nationwide.

April 24, 2025

Episode 22: How a first time executive director is scaling services and securing funding

Michelle Crogie shares what it’s really like stepping into her first executive director role. From launching new fundraising efforts to applying for national grants, she’s scaling fast. A must-listen for anyone navigating nonprofit revenue growth strategies in real time.

April 11, 2025

Episode 21: Building Legacy and Community: The Matthew Perry House with Caitlin Morrison

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, I sit down with Caitlin Morrison, Executive Director of the Matthew Perry Foundation, to talk about the bold, love-fueled journey behind Matthew Perry House — a groundbreaking initiative offering long-term recovery housing and support for people struggling with substance use.

March 27, 2025

Episode 20:  Leadership Isn’t Lonely—If You Build the Right Network

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we speak with Nick Neuheimer, CEO of the Canadian Association of Radiologists, about his path into nonprofit leadership and why he helped start the Ottawa Association Executive Network (OAEN).

March 13, 2025

Episode 19:  Selling Training to Major Companies While Funding Operations and Fulfilling the Mission

Today, we are  joined by Emily Jones, co-founder of Connected Canadians, a nonprofit that has successfully turned corporate training into a sustainable revenue stream while helping seniors build digital literacy skills. What started as a self-funded initiative quickly evolved when Emily and her team recognized the need for a more reliable funding model.

February 28, 2025

Episode 18:Nonprofit Revenue Diversification with Rob Henderson

Rob Henderson shares how BioTalent Canada transformed from government dependency to financial sustainability. He breaks down nonprofit revenue diversification strategies, including industry partnerships and alternative funding models. Learn how nonprofits can generate sustainable income and thrive beyond traditional grants.

February 19, 2025

Episode 17: Turning $1 into $7 – How Youth Ottawa Scales Impact Through Social Enterprise

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we sit down with Jessie Card, Executive Director of Youth Ottawa, to discuss how nonprofits can move beyond grant dependency and adopt a social enterprise mindset. Under Jessie’s leadership, Youth Ottawa transformed its funding model—growing from 0% earned revenue in 2018 to 18% of total revenue generated through paid programming with school boards.

January 27, 2025

Episode 16: How Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa Empowered Youth With a $500K Social Enterprise

In this episode of The Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Susan Ingram, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa, shares how her leadership helped turn a small idea into a thriving social enterprise

January 9, 2025

Episode 15: How This ED Navigates Advocacy in Times of Government Shifts

In this episode, Kyle Larkin shares how he advocates for 65,000 grain farmers across Canada, even amidst leadership shifts. We explore strategies for adapting advocacy work to changing government priorities and overcoming challenges as a young leader. Tune in for insights on navigating change and making an impact in uncertain times.

December 12, 2024

Episode 14: How this ED Turned $500 Sponsorships into $50,000 Wins

This week we are sitting down with Paul Lansbergen, a Certified Association Executive and seasoned nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience in public policy, association management, and advocacy. Paul’s journey is proof that with the right mindset, challenges can turn into opportunities.

November 28, 2024

Episode 13: How this CEO Transformed Board Governance using a Traffic Light System

Lori Prospero, CEO of Rising Oaks Early Learning, shares how she transformed board governance with a unique traffic light system. Learn how this simple tool helped her engage 15,500 families, build trust, and strengthen her nonprofit. She also opens up about overcoming leadership challenges and creating a high-performing board.

November 15, 2024

Episode 12:How This ED Boosted a $11.2 Billion Sector Through Strategic Connections

In this episode, Steven Heckbert, Executive Director of the Canadian Pork Council, shares insights on the power of clear communication and strong advocacy. He discusses the art of turning events like Rib Fest into impactful engagement opportunities with policymakers. Steven also delves into lessons learned from his teaching career, emphasizing the value of teamwork, personalization, and expressing gratitude in advocacy. Tune in to hear how he drove change by hosting 30 meetings in one day and why saying “thank you” can be a game-changer in building partnerships

November 1, 2024

Episode 11: How Winning by 17 Votes Helped This CEO Transform Nonprofit Advocacy

In this episode, Peter Braid opens up about how his journey from a nail-biting election win by just 17 votes taught him the importance of resilience, networking, and connecting with people on both sides of the aisle. Now, as CEO of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada, he’s channeling those lessons to drive meaningful advocacy for nonprofits across Canada.

October 18, 2024

Episode 10: The $96,000 Secret Every CEO Should Know About Transforming Communities

Sit down with Krista Gionet, CEO of the Windsor-Essex County Association of Realtors, to reveal the $96,000 secret every CEO should know about transforming communities. With over 35 years of experience, Krista shares her incredible journey from the MLS Department to CEO, her leadership in the 100-Mile Peninsula Initiative, and how she built a dedicated, long-term team. Tune in for valuable insights on nonprofit leadership, community impact, and creating a positive workplace culture

October 3, 2024

Episode 9: How This Association Went from 100 to 800 Engaged Members

In this episode of the Unfiltered Non-Profit Podcast, we chat with Cheryl Farrow, CEO of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT). Cheryl talks about how she guided the association through a big shift in how they operate, focusing on making things more open and getting members more involved.

September 19, 2024

Episode 8: Turning a Six-Figure Loss into a Leadership Lesson

In this episode of the Unfiltered Non-Profit Podcast, Jean-François Champagne, CEO of AIA Canada, discusses the challenges of launching a certification program and how embracing technology and fostering an inclusive culture strengthened his team. JF shares valuable leadership insights on adapting to setbacks and building a diverse, resilient organization

September 05, 2024

Episode 7: How Quitting the Perfect Job Ignited a Leadership Revolution

In this episode, we dive into how Elizabeth Fowler handled 1,200 complaints after a virtual event failure and her bold decision to quit a job where leadership ignored feedback. Discover the tough calls that shaped her leadership success.

August 22, 2024

Episode 6: How to Navigate a 60% Revenue Decline and Transform Big-Ticket Speakers into Advocacy Powerhouses

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Tim Hudak, former CEO of OREA, shares how he turned a major crisis into a successful transformation, offering practical insights for nonprofit leaders. Tune in to learn how to navigate tough challenges and implement impactful initiatives.

August 8, 2024

Episode 5: How This Executive Director is Taking Hiring from Within to the Next Level with Kevin Williams

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we chat with the Executive Director of Jericho Road, a nonprofit that’s all about transforming lives through addiction recovery.

July 25, 2024

Episode 4 : Driving Non-Profit Growth with Passion – A CEO’s Journey with Beth McMahon

In the fourth episode of the Unfiltered Non-Profit Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Beth McMahon, CEO of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). Beth’s extensive executive experience and dedication to non-profit leadership make her a powerhouse in the sector.

July 11, 2024

Episode 3 : How This Executive Director Went From A Blank Slate to Award-Winning Leadership With Jason Burggraff

In our third episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we’re diving deep into the world of nonprofit leadership with none other than Jason Burggraaf, Executive Director of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA). 

June 27 , 2024

Episode 2 : Running for Change – A CEO’s Take on Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy with Heather Norris

In our second episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we welcome Heather Norris, President and CEO of the Ottawa Network for Education.

June 11, 2024

Episode 1: How a Nonprofit CEO Created an Unstoppable Culture of Belonging with Tracy Folkes Hanson.

In this inaugural episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, we welcome Tracy Folkes Hanson, President and CEO of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE).

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