690. A Case Study in Building Trust and Authentic Partnerships - jacob adams, Inner Spark
In today's episode, Jon and Becky sit down with jacob adams, founder of Inner Spark Learning Lab, to talk about what it looks like to challenge the nonprofit status quo. Instead of chasing scale and perfect metrics, Jacob is focused on something different: authentic partnerships, radical transparency, and building trust.
Together, they explore why nonprofits can’t always control outcomes—but we can own the learning, tell the truth about what’s working (and what isn’t), and how to build stronger relationships with funders and partners along the way.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why going deep instead of wide can lead to more meaningful impact
- How jacob builds trust with funders
- What authentic partnerships really look like in practice at Inner Spark
- And why focusing on learning, not just outcomes, can transform the way we lead
If you’re a nonprofit leader navigating pressure to scale, prove impact, and get everything “right,” this conversation will feel both grounding and energizing. 🩵
Episode Highlights:
- jacob’s Origin Story + Questioning the System (02:49)
- Why Kids Don’t Want to Be in School (04:35)
- Why Depth Beats Scale in Nonprofit Impact (06:24)
- How Inner Spark’s Learning Labs Center Student Voice (07:08)
- Why Radical Transparency Builds Trust in Fundraising (12:08)
- How Feedback Loops Replace Rigid Outcomes (17:33)
- jacob’s One Good Thing: Own the Learnings (26:45)
Resources:
Tune into Inner Sparks Podcast: innersparklab.org/podcast
jacob adams LI Post: We Didn't Hit Our EOY Campaign Goal
Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/690
Make the most of Monthly Giving Awareness Week 💛
During Monthly Giving Awareness Week (May 11-16), Givebutter is giving back. For every new monthly donor who gives $5 or more, your nonprofit earns a $10 donation. $25,000 in matching funds are available to organizations just like yours! Get all the details and get started today here!
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Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.
Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com
More description
In today's episode, Jon and Becky sit down with jacob adams, founder of Inner Spark Learning Lab, to talk about what it looks like to challenge the nonprofit status quo. Instead of chasing scale and perfect metrics, Jacob is focused on something different: authentic partnerships, radical transparency, and building trust.
Together, they explore why nonprofits can’t always control outcomes—but we can own the learning, tell the truth about what’s working (and what isn’t), and how to build stronger relationships with funders and partners along the way.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why going deep instead of wide can lead to more meaningful impact
- How jacob builds trust with funders
- What authentic partnerships really look like in practice at Inner Spark
- And why focusing on learning, not just outcomes, can transform the way we lead
If you’re a nonprofit leader navigating pressure to scale, prove impact, and get everything “right,” this conversation will feel both grounding and energizing. 🩵
Episode Highlights:
- jacob’s Origin Story + Questioning the System (02:49)
- Why Kids Don’t Want to Be in School (04:35)
- Why Depth Beats Scale in Nonprofit Impact (06:24)
- How Inner Spark’s Learning Labs Center Student Voice (07:08)
- Why Radical Transparency Builds Trust in Fundraising (12:08)
- How Feedback Loops Replace Rigid Outcomes (17:33)
- jacob’s One Good Thing: Own the Learnings (26:45)
Resources:
Tune into Inner Sparks Podcast: innersparklab.org/podcast
jacob adams LI Post: We Didn't Hit Our EOY Campaign Goal
Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/690
Make the most of Monthly Giving Awareness Week 💛
During Monthly Giving Awareness Week (May 11-16), Givebutter is giving back. For every new monthly donor who gives $5 or more, your nonprofit earns a $10 donation. $25,000 in matching funds are available to organizations just like yours! Get all the details and get started today here!
//
Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.
Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.com
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