On The Ground
Claim This Podcastby James Misner
Podcast Overview
<p>As CEO of The Kipos Group, James Misner has spent years in the trenches with nonprofit leaders. "On the Ground" brings those conversations to you—unfiltered insights by nonprofit leaders, for nonprofit leaders. </p><p></p><p><b>Real Leaders. Real Challenges. Real Solutions.</b></p><p></p><p></p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
2/4/2026
1 verified contact email on file for On The Ground
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Recent Episodes
July 21, 2026
$10 Million With 6 Staff: How the Okanagan Science Centre Is Building a Campaign
<p><b>How the Okanagan Science Center Leads with Community and Innovation</b> </p><p></p><p>Join us as Dione Chambers, director of the Okanagan Science Center, shares her journey from chemistry and nanotechnology to leading a beloved community science hub. Discover how she navigates fundraising, community engagement, and innovation in a small-town setting. </p><p></p><p><b>Main Topic:</b></p><ul><li>Transitioning from science to nonprofit leadership</li><li>Creative funding strategies during challenging times</li><li>Leveraging digital platforms for education and revenue</li><li>Leading through crisis: fire and pandemic responses</li><li>Building community support for capital campaigns<p></p></li></ul><p><b>In this episode:</b></p><ul><li>Dione's career path from nanotech to nonprofit leadership</li><li>The role of traveling exhibits and unique programs at a small science center</li><li>How moving online during COVID opened new revenue streams</li><li>Lessons learned from managing a fire and operational disruptions</li><li>Strategies for community engagement and communication</li><li>Practical advice for leaders: building teams and prioritizing fundraising</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Timestamps: </b></p><p>00:00 - Introducing Dione Chambers and the Okanagan Science Center's unique story </p><p>00:21 - The location and community context of the Okanagan Valley 01:08 - Dione's transition from chemistry and nanotech to nonprofit leadership </p><p>01:33 - How her diverse experiences shape her approach to managing the science center </p><p>02:28 - What visitors experience at the science center, including exhibits and animal displays </p><p>03:00 - The popularity of axolotls and other unique science experiences </p><p>04:27 - Funding structures and revenue strategies, including moving online 05:09 - Deep dive into the center’s online platform and educational offerings </p><p>06:08 - The role of web-based programs for school groups and community </p><p>07:05 - Supporting teachers with accessible resources </p><p>07:35 - Looking ahead: fundraising plans and engaging community support </p><p>08:22 - The upcoming $10 million capital campaign and early donor engagement </p><p>09:38 - The importance of dedicated fundraising focus for nonprofit leaders </p><p>09:57 - Challenges faced with the canceled science festival and lessons in crisis management </p><p>12:52 - Navigating the fire emergency and restoring community trust 15:44 - The 'plant bingo' event as a creative response during closures 17:16 - Community resilience and communication during crises </p><p>18:51 - Marketing lessons learned from the fire and signage challenges 20:43 - The importance of multi-channel communication in busy community environments </p><p>22:50 - Leadership lessons: building teams, delegating, and self-care 24:00 - Connecting with Dione and the Okanagan Science Center for further engagement</p><p></p><p><b>Resources & Links:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thekiposgroup.com/" target="_blank"><b>The Kipos Group Website</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thekiposgroup.com/schedule-your-call-with-james/" target="_blank"><b>Schedule a Discovery Call with James</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmisner/" target="_blank"><b>Connect with James Misner on Linkedin</b></a><p></p></li></ul><p><b>Connect with Dione Chambers:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://okscience.ca" target="_blank"><b>Okanagan Science Center Official Website</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dione-chambers/" target="_blank"><b>Connect with Dione Chambers on Linkedin</b></a><p></p></li></ul>
July 14, 2026
15 Kids to 100,000: How Kupenda Scales Disability Inclusion Through Others
<p><b>Transforming Attitudes and Building Communities: How Kupenda Promotes Disability Inclusion and Breaks Down Stigma</b> <i> </i></p><p></p><p>Cynthia Bauer of Kupenda shares her journey from wildlife biology to leading a global movement against disability stigma. Learn how strategic partnerships, grassroots work, and smart measurement tools drive lasting change worldwide.</p><p></p><p><b>In this episode:</b></p><ul><li>Cindy's story and Kupenda's origins</li></ul><ul><li>How disability stigma is rooted in cultural beliefs</li><li>Scaling impact through local partner organizations</li><li>Key partnerships (World Hope International, World Relief)</li><li>Faith and community leaders' role in reducing stigma</li><li>Fundraising lessons: skip capital campaigns, build long-term relationships</li><li>Measuring impact, from workshops to community ripple effects</li><li>Lessons from unsuccessful initiatives like teacher training</li><li>Integrating disability into development and social justice</li><li>How philanthropic funding is allocated today<p></p></li></ul><p><b>Timestamps:</b></p><p>00:00 - Intro to Cynthia and Kupenda</p><p>00:21 - Cindy's story, discovering stigma in Kenya</p><p>01:36 - Kupenda's accidental founding</p><p>02:55 - From basic aid to root causes</p><p>03:34 - Faith and community leaders shifting beliefs</p><p>04:36 - What Kupenda does today; meaning of the name</p><p>05:57 - Engaging influencers for inclusion</p><p>06:27 - Scaling via local partnerships</p><p>07:37 - Early fundraising, hiring a development director</p><p>09:14 - Government/foundation funding & measurement</p><p>10:53 - Demonstrating impact through studies, stories</p><p>11:46 - Lessons from teacher-training setbacks</p><p>12:28 - Influencing others without direct implementation</p><p>13:03 - Building disability-inclusive development models</p><p>14:19 - Partnerships in Sierra Leone and Malawi</p><p>15:56 - Reach: working with 27+ organizations</p><p>16:51 - Storytelling and communicating impact</p><p>18:02 - Measuring stigma reduction, transformation</p><p>22:27 - Case story: a mother and her children</p><p>23:45 - Lessons from failed quick fixes, segregated education</p><p>26:01 - Fundraising pitfalls: capital campaigns, one-off events</p><p>28:51 - Mindset shift during crises like COVID-19</p><p>29:20 - Cindy's vision for Kupenda's next decade</p><p>31:09 - Disability as a shared development lens</p><p>32:52 - State of philanthropic giving to disability causes</p><p>33:33 - Impact of shifting perceptions, systemic inclusion</p><p>34:16 - How to connect with Cynthia and Kupenda</p><p></p><p><b>Resources & Links:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thekiposgroup.com/" target="_blank">The Kipos Group Website</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thekiposgroup.com/schedule-your-call-with-james/" target="_blank">Schedule a Discovery Call with James</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmisner/" target="_blank">Connect with James Misner on Linkedin</a><p></p></li></ul><p><b>Connect with Cindy:</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://kupenda.org/" target="_blank">Kupenda Official Website</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://kupenda.org/documentary/" target="_blank">Documentary: Climbing Kilimanjaro with Kids with Disabilities</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://kupenda.org/podcast/" target="_blank">Unlikely Gifts Podcast</a> </li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bauer-5246463/" target="_blank">Connect with Cynthia Bauer on Linkedin</a></li></ul>
July 9, 2026
$55, 5 Years of Impact: How Growing Hope Globally Turns Farms Into Fundraisers
<p><b>Growing Hope Globally: Connecting Communities for Global Food Security</b></p><p></p><p>In this episode, Kaitlyn from Growing Hope Globally shares how local farming initiatives in the U.S. create global impact, supporting farmers in developing countries and fostering international unity.</p><p></p><p><b>Main Topic:</b></p><ul><li>Origin and evolution of Growing Hope Globally</li><li>Community-wide farming projects and their global effects</li><li>Rural-urban partnerships across the U.S.</li><li>The importance of land and acreage in farming success</li><li>Challenges and opportunities in rural farming communities</li><li>Strategies for expanding and sustaining global impact<p></p></li></ul><p>Timestamps:<br />00:00 – Introduction to Growing Hope Globally's mission<br />00:42 – The story behind its founding<br />01:07 – How local farmers support global hunger solutions<br />01:35 – The model of local crop growth and community involvement<br />02:01 – Impact of donations and community participation<br />02:28 – Long-term effects on farmers overseas<br />03:26 – The community aspect and volunteerism<br />04:17 – The power of grassroots farming and urban communities<br />05:13 – Examples of urban-rural partnerships and their benefits<br />05:49 – Stories of global farmer connections<br />06:42 – Building relational communities and global understanding<br />07:40 – Shared farming priorities worldwide<br />08:06 – Beyond donations: seeing each other as human beings<br />08:35 – Scale of impact from Midwest communities<br />09:04 – The community as a "knitting circle for men"<br />09:14 – Importance of rural-urban partnerships in fractured times<br />09:42 – How nonprofits foster community engagement<br />10:11 – Kaitlyn's journey and farming background<br />10:26 – Her transition into leadership at Growing Hope<br />11:11 – Reflections on leadership and community impact<br />11:32 – Growth and fundraising challenges amid economic fluctuations<br />12:53 – Current economic impacts on farming and nonprofit funding<br />13:20 – Staying true to the farming community's core identity<br />14:20 – Creative fundraising ideas (tournaments, dining events)<br />15:15 – Balancing traditional farming models with innovation<br />16:17 – Why acreage and land size are crucial for farm projects<br />17:06 – Case example of land sharing among farmers<br />18:03 – Relationship between land size, equipment, and profitability<br />18:47 – The significance of scale in farming success<br />19:15 – Future goals and geographic expansion<br />20:21 – Migration and economic stability through community investments<br />21:49 – How to learn more: website, social media, starting your own project<br />23:12 – The power of small beginnings in fighting hunger<br />23:40 – Final thoughts on collective impact and connection</p><p></p><p>Resources and Links:</p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thekiposgroup.com/" target="_blank">The Kipos Group Website</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thekiposgroup.com/schedule-your-call-with-james/" target="_blank">Schedule a Discovery Call with James</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmisner/" target="_blank">Connect with James Misner on Linkedin</a></li></ul><p></p><p>Connect with Kaitlyn:</p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.growinghopeglobally.org/" target="_blank">Growing Hope Globally Website</a></li></ul><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linkedin.com/in/caitlin" target="_blank">LinkedIn Kaitlyn</a><p></p></li></ul>
16 total episodes available
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- What is On The Ground?
<p>As CEO of The Kipos Group, James Misner has spent years in the trenches with nonprofit leaders. "On the Ground" brings those conversations to you—unfiltered insights by nonprofit leaders, for nonprofit leaders. </p><p></p><p><b>Real Leaders. Real Challenges. Real Solutions.</b></p><p></p><p></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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