Podcast Summary: We Are For Good Podcast - Episode 625: "Hold Fast: 8 Takeaways on Finding Resilience + Clarity"

Release Date: June 9, 2025

In Episode 625 of the We Are For Good Podcast, hosts Jon McCoy, CFRE, and Becky Endicott, CFRE delve into their groundbreaking limited series titled "Hold Fast." This ten-week exploration centered on resilience and clarity amidst the ever-changing landscape of the nonprofit sector. As nonprofits grapple with increased challenges to fulfill their missions, Jon and Becky provide invaluable insights to help organizations and professionals navigate these turbulent times.

Introduction to the "Hold Fast" Series

The episode opens with Jon and Becky reflecting on the intense ten-week journey of the "Hold Fast" series. They acknowledge the unpredictable nature of 2025, likening it to a "freight train" that has significantly impacted the social impact sector. This analogy underscores the sudden and substantial changes nonprofits have faced, altering their operations and funding mechanisms.

Jon McCoy reminisces about a pivotal moment early in the series:

"Our lives are in constant flux. We never know what's going to happen from one moment to the next, but we're scrambling for solid ground that does not exist."
[01:45]

Becky emphasizes the essence of the series:

"Hold Fast was not about sitting in the paralysis of not feeling where you can move. It was about asking a bigger question: How can we get our house in order in times of change?"
[02:11]

Eight Core Takeaways from "Hold Fast"

Jon and Becky present eight pivotal lessons gleaned from the "Hold Fast" series, each backed by expert interviews and practical frameworks.

1. Resilience Requires a Blueprint

   Drawing from keynote speaker Brooke Richie Babbage, they highlight that resilience isn't merely reactive but "designed and it's habit, it's practice." Babbage's emphasis on starting with foundational values helps organizations align their missions with their actions.

   "Start with your values. Who are you? What do you believe? What is your unique change?"
   [10:01]

2. Operational Strength Equals Mission Strength

   Inspired by Scott Curran of Beyond Advisors, this takeaway underscores the critical link between robust operations and the overall mission's success. Without a solid operational core, strategies risk leading to burnout and organizational fragility.

3. Trust is the New Currency of Philanthropy

   From the episode featuring Yotta of JustFund, the discussion revolves around the erosion of trust in today's environment. Building and maintaining trust through "relationships, not just reports," is essential for deeper impact.

   "Money moves at the speed of trust."
   [13:33]

4. Clarity Creates Motion

   Ori Carmel's insights reveal that clarity in values and objectives propels organizations forward. By clearly defining what matters most, nonprofits can move with direction and purpose, ensuring that their efforts effectively advance their missions.

   "Once you really clearly dial in what matters most and how to measure it, then you can move with direction and know that you're not just doing stuff."
   [15:00]

5. Generosity Begins with Belonging

   Holly Lee emphasizes that a sense of belonging within the community fosters generosity. "Community and trust are the soil where generosity grows," highlighting the importance of nurturing relationships beyond just major donors.

6. Stories Are Anchors

   Obi Obekwe discusses the power of storytelling in uncertain times. Stories serve as stabilizers that "carry the values, restore trust, and connect us through shared meaning." Authentic narratives from supporters and beneficiaries reinforce the mission's impact.

   "Stories are the anchors in this crazy time that we're walking through right now."
   [17:56]

7. Trust is Earned Through Action and Presence

   Mike Dirksen of BuildGood articulates that donor trust is built through "transparency, consistency, and care." Engaging donors with clear actions and maintaining a consistent presence ensures sustained support and deepened relationships.

   "Donor trust grows when we show up with transparency, with consistency, and with care."
   [19:15]

8. Collective Momentum Starts Locally

   The final takeaway emphasizes that the seeds of any movement are planted within local communities. "Relationships, people, human to human interaction in community is the way," underscoring the importance of grassroots efforts in driving broader societal change.

Transitioning to the Next Phase: Movement Building

As the "Hold Fast" series concludes, Jon and Becky pivot to their next thematic focus: "Movement." Building on the foundation of resilience and clarity, this new phase aims to translate stable foundations into actionable momentum.

Becky Endicott passionately explains:

"Our next theme is going to be movement. Hold Fast was really about rooting down, but now we're ready to move forward with clarity, community, and courage."
[21:51]

This transition signifies a shift from internal stabilization to external activation, encouraging nonprofit professionals to "think and act like movement builders." The goal is to foster purposeful action that propels missions forward, leveraging collective power and community engagement.

Call to Action: Join the Movement

Jon and Becky encourage listeners to participate in the upcoming Impact Uprising event on July 10th. This virtual gathering will feature keynotes, workshops, and opportunities to connect locally, aiming to "unlock motion and get unstuck within your mission." They emphasize the importance of "motion with meaning," urging nonprofit leaders to actively contribute their unique strengths to the broader movement for good.

Conclusion

Episode 625 of the We Are For Good Podcast serves as both a reflection on the challenges faced by nonprofits and a roadmap for overcoming them through resilience and clarity. With actionable takeaways and a clear path forward, Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott provide nonprofit professionals with the tools and inspiration needed to navigate uncertainty and drive meaningful change.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jon McCoy [01:45]: "Our lives are in constant flux. We never know what's going to happen from one moment to the next, but we're scrambling for solid ground that does not exist."

• Becky Endicott [02:11]: "Hold Fast was not about sitting in the paralysis of not feeling where you can move. It was about asking a bigger question: How can we get our house in order in times of change?"

• Becky Endicott [10:01]: "Start with your values. Who are you? What do you believe? What is your unique change?"

• Becky Endicott [13:33]: "Money moves at the speed of trust."

• Jon McCoy [15:00]: "Once you really clearly dial in what matters most and how to measure it, then you can move with direction and know that you're not just doing stuff."

• Becky Endicott [17:56]: "Stories are the anchors in this crazy time that we're walking through right now."

• Becky Endicott [19:15]: "Donor trust grows when we show up with transparency, with consistency, and with care."

• Becky Endicott [21:51]: "Our next theme is going to be movement. Hold Fast was really about rooting down, but now we're ready to move forward with clarity, community, and courage."

For more insights and to join the movement, visit We Are For Good.