Future Nonprofit

Future Nonprofit

Join host and award-winning author Ted Vaughn as he uncovers bold strategies and best practices from top nonprofits and social-impact businesses. Hear personal stories and hot takes from inspiring guests navigating the path to a more innovative and impactful future for nonprofit organizations.

New episodes every other week.

Recent Episodes

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RESCHOOL: Amy Anderson - How to Lead Innovation Within a System That Feels Stuck
July 17, 2025

RESCHOOL: Amy Anderson - How to Lead Innovation Within a System That Feels Stuck

“When you understand the humans and the interests, needs, desires, and context within which they function, you can design systems that reflect those needs.” - Amy Anderson How do you innovate within a system that has been sta...
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Reading Pals: Michelle Curren - One Volunteer Hour a Week That Transforms a Child's Future
July 1, 2025

Reading Pals: Michelle Curren - One Volunteer Hour a Week That Transforms a Child's Future

“If you're a positive adult who can offer support, there's a huge impact. 86% of our kids quadruple their literacy learning rate.” - Michelle Curren Sometimes the most meaningful journeys in life are unexpected, aren’t they? ...
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ATHENA: Holly Smithson - Embracing the Unknown, Welcoming Vulnerability, & Voicing Your Power
June 10, 2025

ATHENA: Holly Smithson - Embracing the Unknown, Welcoming Vulnerability, & Voicing Your Power

“So many people are not voicing their power.” - Holly Smithson What if your biggest strength is the thing you’ve been told is your greatest weakness? In this episode, Ted sits down with Holly Smithson, CEO of Athena , a globa...
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MEASURE: Meme Styles - How to Champion Equity Through Community-Led Research
April 24, 2025

MEASURE: Meme Styles - How to Champion Equity Through Community-Led Research

“There was no real mechanism for measuring what we meant when we said build trust… Who was creating the surveys? What was the methodology? What were the metrics assessing relationships?” - Meme Styles You use data every day. ...
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Make It Seen, Make It Simple: How to Make Your Nonprofit’s Story Shareable [Panel Discussion]
March 18, 2025

Make It Seen, Make It Simple: How to Make Your Nonprofit’s Story Shareable [Panel Discussion]

Today, your audience is more aware than ever before of injustices impacting our world. They’re eager to help, but unsure of the best way to make a difference. As a nonprofit leader, it’s your job to channel their passion into...
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10 Books Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Read This Year (w/ James Bloedel, Chief Strategy Officer at Historic)
Feb. 18, 2025

10 Books Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Read This Year (w/ James Bloedel, Chief Strategy Officer at Historic)

“Leadership is not just something that is relegated to middle management, upper management, executive leadership. Leadership is a culture that exists inside of your organization. If you truly want to make breakthrough product...
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About the Host

Ted Vaughn Profile Photo

Ted Vaughn

Podcast host, Entrepreneur , Author, & Speaker

Co-author of Culture Built My Brand and co-founder of Historic Agency, Ted leads client transformation at Historic. With more than 25 years of nonprofit experience, Ted specializes in executive leadership, brand development, organizational health, and strategic clarity. Ted has spent the majority of his career serving a wide variety of for-profit and nonprofit brands.

Reviews

Worth Your Time

"I have worked with this team countless times over the years. They not only have a depth of experience but they have a vast network of relationships as well. Definitely worth the limited amount of tim…"

Ryan Sisson | July 31, 2023

Non profit and high impact

"Love the premise of this podcast and the credibility Ted and Historic Agency brings to the party. Non profits punch above their weight and are resource multipliers in the world wide marketplace of hu…"

Steve, La Jolla Ca | July 30, 2023

Obsessed.

"See above."

Rroquet | Aug. 2, 2023

Historic in the making!

"Ted and Mark have not only designed and fostered beautiful relationships within the non-profit sector, they are legends in the space. Their approach to people and vision takes creativity to the next …"

shipitca | Aug. 1, 2023

Everyone can learn while listening!

"Excellent series of podcasts for any company seeking to improve culture and help people make an impact! Love the production also. Can’t wait to listen to the next one ….."

Yea meaghan! | Aug. 4, 2023

Wow. Now this is Impact storytelling.

"Ted and the Historic team understand nuanced storytelling and how great marketing can be a powerful amplifier. This outstanding podcast transcends basic podcast conversations by combining harrowing a…"

Bendicott | Aug. 11, 2023

Fan of Historic

"This podcast is one more example of the quality work that Historic Agency puts out on a regular basis."

damiller0614 | Aug. 16, 2023

Insightful, Thoughtful, Brilliant

"This is a conversation I’ve been waiting to hear! Ted Vaughn is one of the most brilliant minds I know. He knows how to ask the perfect question and articulate the most complex thought, always wrappe…"

Ur_Conscious | Aug. 18, 2023

Keeps you on the leading edge

"I was fortunate to have Ted and Mark join me on our podcast, and it’s no surprise that the Future Nonprofit podcast is spot on in terms of identifying and exploring the key issues facing our sector. …"

shootforthestars44 | Aug. 26, 2023

Love this podcast

"5 episodes in and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorites. Truly love the way Ted guides the conversations and draws out the best in each guest."

thepunkards | Sept. 20, 2023

Relevant, insightful and thought-provoking

"In my role on the leadership team of a San Diego non profit, I am always looking for podcasts that make me think how I could do my job better… and move the needle forward for my organization. I finis…"

Le Beau, M | Nov. 11, 2023
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