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. Founded in 2021, OCLT is part of a growing network of community land trusts in Canada working to preserve and expand affordable housing in perpetuity.

Instead of relying solely on grants or charitable donations, OCLT uses community bonds—a nonprofit fundraising alternative that invites individuals to invest in their mission. Investors receive a modest return, while OCLT gains the flexibility to move quickly on real estate opportunities. This strategy enabled the organization to secure its first property purchase by combining community investments with an anonymous gift. It’s a model that aligns capital with community impact, offering a new path forward for organizations seeking a sustainable nonprofit real estate strategy.

Despite operating with a lean team of just three staff members, OCLT is building toward long-term financial sustainability. With leadership from a board that includes nonprofit veterans, economists, and private sector developers, the organization is uniquely positioned to blend mission and business thinking. Their approach shows that nonprofits don’t need to wait for grants—they can raise capital directly and act with urgency.

The Ottawa Community Land Trust is showing what’s possible when a nonprofit thinks like a social enterprise. By using community bonds to fund affordable housing acquisitions, OCLT avoids traditional barriers like slow-moving grants and limited donations. For nonprofits exploring fundraising alternatives, this episode is a clear example of how innovation, community support, and financial strategy can come together to create real impact.

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.

Hailey shares how Unsinkable launched a national campaign, Fragments: Stories That Heal, using in-kind contributions and partnerships instead of large funding. The campaign featured:

• 25 billboards across the GTA, including Dundas Square
  
  

• Audio stories broadcasted via radio, podcasts, and digital ads
  
  

• A 45% increase in direct website traffic in a single month
  
  

This conversation is packed with ideas for nonprofit leaders who are navigating lean budgets, trying to grow their audience, or build partnerships.

What You’ll Learn:

• How a nonprofit mental health leader built a crisis line in the Yukon from scratch
  
  

• How to use in-kind donations and local partnerships to create national impact
  
  

• Why storytelling is a critical tool for advocacy, fundraising, and brand-building
  
  

• Why it’s okay if your career path isn’t linear—and how to lead through uncertainty
  
  

Hailey’s Quote to Remember:
"Some of our biggest wins came from someone we met at a conference or a LinkedIn post we followed up on."

If you’re leading a nonprofit mental health organization or any nonprofit with a powerful story, this episode is full of practical, creative takeaways.

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.

We dive into what industry advocacy actually looks like behind the scenes. How do you keep small venues and major players aligned under one roof? What does it mean to use your personal voice in service of a collective mission? Erin shares how she’s stayed grounded in purpose, even when the work is nonstop and the path forward isn’t always clear.

We also explore the CLMA’s latest economic impact report, which found that live music contributed over $10 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2023 and supported more than 100,000 jobs. Erin explains how this kind of data fuels stronger industry advocacy and helps push for policies that actually support the people doing the work.

If you’ve ever tried to rally a sector, juggle a small team, or build a brand that’s bigger than one person—this conversation will hit home.

What happens when the demand for your services grows faster than your funding? In this episode of The Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Crogie, Executive Director of PLEO (Parents’ Lifeline of Eastern Ontario), to talk about the real challenges of leading a high-impact nonprofit through growth, heartbreak, and hustle. From securing grants to launching events, we explore real-world nonprofit revenue growth strategies that go beyond the theory.

Michelle shares how PLEO’s services—like their helpline and support groups—are at full capacity, even though core funding only covers about 25% of their budget. The rest? It’s a constant effort: grant writing, donor campaigns, and creative fundraising like their first-ever gala, which raised $12,000. Ever tried to expand a mental health program with year-to-year money? That’s the juggling act—and Michelle’s approach offers important lessons for nonprofit revenue growth strategies in action.

One of the most compelling parts of our conversation is PLEO’s Youth-Nominated Support Team program. Early results show a sharp drop in suicidal ideation after just six weeks—a powerful reminder of why sustainable funding matters. With 26 partner agencies backing their Health Canada grant application, Michelle is building momentum for scale. If you’ve ever had to chase dollars while trying to make a difference, this episode gives you a raw, honest look at nonprofit revenue growth strategies that are rooted in purpose—not just spreadsheets.

About OTUS Financial Solutions:

At OTUS Financial Solutions, we specialize in general accounting and CFO services for nonprofits and associations. With over 18 years of experience, we provide tailored solutions that help your organization grow and stay sustainable. We offer everything from day-to-day bookkeeping to big-picture financial planning, all designed to meet the unique needs of nonprofits like yours.

If you want to learn more about how we can support your nonprofit’s financial journey, visit our website or book a no-obligation 20-minute consultation with us today. Let’s make your accounting easier and help you reach your goals.

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.

We explore how Caitlin and the Matthew Perry Foundation, along with a powerful coalition of local organizations, are redefining what recovery can look like in Canada. This episode dives into why three years of care is the magic number, and how Caitlin’s nonprofit journey—sparked by a temporary job and a deep love for people—has led to building something extraordinary in her brother’s name.

This isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about people. It’s about healing. It’s about changing the system, one community at a time.

Caitlin shares how a full year of support can triple someone’s chances of long-term recovery, and how reaching the three-year mark brings that number to 83%. With 167 residential units planned in Ottawa, the first Matthew Perry House is designed to provide not just treatment, but a true home—where community, mentorship, and individualized care come together to create lasting change. The Matthew Perry Foundation is already breaking ground on this project, less than a year after the first conversation, showing what’s possible when collaboration replaces competition.

Whether you're in nonprofit leadership, recovery support, or just curious about what’s possible when community and purpose collide — this episode will leave you inspired by the impact the Matthew Perry Foundation is creating.

💬 “It’s all love. It’s him. And that’s why we’re doing this.”

About OTUS Financial Solutions:

At OTUS Financial Solutions, we specialize in general accounting and CFO services for nonprofits and associations. With over 18 years of experience, we provide tailored solutions that help your organization grow and stay sustainable. We offer everything from day-to-day bookkeeping to big-picture financial planning, all designed to meet the unique needs of nonprofits like yours.

If you want to learn more about how we can support your nonprofit’s financial journey, visit our website or book a no-obligation 20-minute consultation with us today. Let’s make your accounting easier and help you reach your goals.

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).

Nick shares how he moved from a career in economics to association management, eventually becoming a CEO and earning his Certified Association Executive(CAE) designation along the way. Through that journey, one theme kept coming up: the importance of connection.

After years of virtual meetings and isolated leadership roles, Nick saw a clear need for a space where nonprofit and association professionals could meet face-to-face, learn from each other, and build relationships. That’s what led to the launch of OAEN. More than just networking events, the sessions are focused on real issues—like advocacy, governance, and succession planning—offering practical insights and a chance to talk honestly with peers.

In this conversation, Nick and Cherry discuss:

• How peer networks can support leaders through tough decisions
  
  

• Why in-person connection still matters, especially in hiring
  
  

• The role of OAEN in helping leaders at all stages of their careers
  
  

• And how creating space for shared learning can strengthen the entire sector
  
  

If you’re looking for a community of nonprofit and association leaders who are open, curious, and committed to learning—this episode is for you.

About OTUS Financial Solutions:

At OTUS Financial Solutions, we specialize in general accounting and CFO services for nonprofits and associations. With over 18 years of experience, we provide tailored solutions that help your organization grow and stay sustainable. We offer everything from day-to-day bookkeeping to big-picture financial planning, all designed to meet the unique needs of nonprofits like yours.

If you want to learn more about how we can support your nonprofit’s financial journey, visit our website or book a no-obligation 20-minute consultation with us today. Let’s make your accounting easier and help you reach your goals.

Welcome to the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast. 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. They leveraged their expertise in digital literacy and developed training programs for major corporations, securing partnerships with Rogers, Amazon, TD Canada, and Best Buy. Their breakthrough deal with Rogers resulted in over 2,000 training licenses sold, equipping technicians with the skills to better assist senior customers. This success validated their model and led to further collaborations with other industry leaders, helping them build sustainable revenue beyond grants and donations.

By monetizing their knowledge, Connected Canadians established a scalable funding approach that not only supports free digital literacy services for seniors but also enhances corporate interactions with older adults. Their programs help bridge the generational tech gap while ensuring businesses are equipped to meet the needs of a growing senior population. In addition, their cybersecurity training initiative empowers seniors to navigate the digital world safely, addressing a critical concern in an era of increasing online fraud and scams. Their ability to generate sustainable revenue from training ensures they can continue offering these vital programs without financial instability.

This episode delves into how nonprofits can monetize their expertise and build sustainable revenue streams without relying solely on grants. Emily shares how strategic partnerships, a compelling value proposition, and a commitment to mission-driven business practices have allowed Connected Canadians to grow while staying true to its purpose.

Visit Connected Canadians to learn more about their innovative funding model and impact. Subscribe to the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast for more insights from nonprofit leaders who are redefining sustainability in the sector.

In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, host Cherry Chan sits down with Rob Henderson, President & CEO of BioTalent Canada, to discuss how he successfully transitioned his nonprofit from government dependency to financial sustainability. Rob shares the hard decisions, bold strategies, and entrepreneurial mindset that helped BioTalent Canada diversify its revenue and thrive.

Overcoming the Challenge of Lost Government Funding
When BioTalent Canada received news that their federal funding would be cut, they faced a critical turning point. Instead of scaling back, Rob took a bold, business-driven approach to nonprofit revenue diversification—building industry partnerships, offering consulting services, and creating a self-sustaining funding model.

Lessons in Leadership and Change Management
Rob doesn’t shy away from the reality of leading through change. He shares how nonprofit leaders must adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, make tough staffing decisions, and embrace revenue diversification to ensure long-term impact.

• Practical Strategies for Nonprofit Revenue Diversification
  In this episode, Rob breaks down actionable steps for nonprofits looking to diversify revenue, including:
  Establishing corporate partnerships that bring in recurring revenue
  Creating value-driven sponsorship models
  Leveraging government funding for specific projects instead of relying on operational grants
  Developing consulting or training services as additional income streams

The Intersection of DEI and Financial Sustainability
Rob also shares how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) plays a role in nonprofit success. Through initiatives like the IDEA Committee and the Ideal Bioscience Employer designation, BioTalent Canada ensures that its workforce and funding strategies align with its mission.

💡 If your nonprofit is struggling with funding challenges, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how an entrepreneurial mindset and revenue diversification can create financial stability while staying true to your mission.