In today's episode of the Coast and Commerce podcast, Ben Amos interviews James Blevin, CEO of Youturn, a not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting youth in the Sunshine Coast region. They discuss the complexities of running an NFP, the evolution of Youturn over the years, and the importance of community engagement and philanthropy. James emphasises the symbiotic relationship between businesses and communities, advocating for business owners and the community at large to adopt a long-term vision in helping to address social issues. The conversation highlights the significance of storytelling in philanthropy and how businesses can actively participate in community initiatives.

Takeaways

• Running a large NFP is similar to running a large business.
• Youturn has evolved significantly over 30 years to support youth.
• Community engagement is crucial for business success.
• Philanthropy can start small and grow into impactful initiatives.
• Measuring impact is essential for effective philanthropy.
• Storytelling enhances the connection between charities and donors.
• Public-private partnerships can drive community change.
• A strong community can lead to a stronger business environment.
• Long-term vision is necessary for sustainable community health.
• Business leaders should engage in policy discussions for systemic change.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the NFP Landscape

02:57 The Evolution of U-Turn

05:49 Service Delivery and Community Impact

09:02 The Symbiosis of Business and Community

11:50 Philanthropy: Beyond Sponsorship

15:12 Measuring Impact in Philanthropy

18:05 The Power of Storytelling

20:56 Engaging the Business Community

24:00 Long-Term Vision for Community Health

26:58 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Click here for more https://innovatemedia.com.au/S4-5