Why Nonprofit Connect is now Creating Good with Matt Barnes and Tiffany Pope of Rogue Creatives

In this episode, Matt and Tiffany explored their new podcast, "Creating Good," which focuses on redefining how nonprofits are viewed and creating a community of creatives. The podcast, previously known as "Nonprofit Connect with Matt Barnes," has been rebranded to better align with their mission. They discuss their background in organizational leadership and the importance of embracing change and innovation. They also express their desire to create a community of creatives and to encourage collaboration and problem-solving.

Embracing Change as a Constant

Matt sees the ability to adapt to change as fundamental for any organization’s success, particularly in the nonprofit sector. He highlights that many nonprofits struggle with change because they cling to their established methods and structures. 

Instead, Matt advocates for focusing on the organization’s core purpose—the "why"—as a stable foundation amidst shifting circumstances. He explains, “When I’m working with newer organizations, the focus is on setting up your organization to be focused on the why… if you’re focused on that, then the how and the what and all that stuff can change every day.”

By prioritizing the underlying mission over specific strategies, nonprofits can turn change into an opportunity for growth rather than a challenge to manage. This approach transforms the perception of change from something to endure to something integral to an organization’s evolution and success.

Building Collaborative Communities

Matt underscores the transformative power of collaboration among nonprofits. He observed that nonprofits often operate in isolation, missing valuable opportunities to learn from and support each other. 

To address this, Matt initiated the Nonprofit Connect project, which aimed to bring nonprofit leaders together to share experiences and ideas. He notes, “One of the biggest problems with nonprofits is they don’t talk to each other. You guys don’t learn from each other. You don’t collaborate.” 

By creating a platform for dialogue and collaboration, Nonprofit Connect helps break down silos and fosters a community where innovative solutions can emerge. This collaborative environment not only enhances problem-solving but also builds a network of support that can lead to more impactful and sustainable outcomes.

Rethinking Nonprofit Funding Models

Matt challenges the conventional wisdom that nonprofits should operate on minimal budgets while addressing some of the world's most pressing issues. He argues that this mindset is counterproductive and limits the potential of nonprofits to achieve their goals. 

As he puts it, “It’s the only industry that defines itself by what it’s not… Nonprofits should run on a shoestring budget, but they’re out there trying to solve the world’s biggest problems. That doesn’t make sense.” 

Matt advocates for a shift in how nonprofits approach funding, suggesting they need to view financial resources as tools to enhance their impact rather than constraints. This perspective encourages nonprofits to seek more sustainable funding models that enable them to operate effectively and achieve their missions more comprehensively.

Get the Full Scoop!

Listen to this episode of the Creating Good podcast to learn more from Matt about the exciting new rebrand!