Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rob Harter
The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast discusses important issues facing nonprofit leaders in our community and features real stories from real leaders about what strategies and practices have made them successful. Enjoy the show!
Matthew EfirdHow can profound grief be transformed into purpose, empathy, and a legacy that serves others? In this powerful episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter speaks with Matthew Efird about the loss of his son, Noah, who was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 before birth and lived for 57 and a half hours. Matthew shares how he and his wife, Hannah, navigated the months between Noah’s diagnosis and birth, the intentional choices they made to protect their marriage and family, and the role faith and community played in helping them endure an unimaginable season.
Matthew also discusses how journaling became a critical tool for processing grief and eventually led to his book, Even Though We Will. He explains how Noah’s legacy now fuels his work through the Even Though We Will Foundation, where his family helps connect others facing child loss and terminal diagnoses with resources and support. Their story offers nonprofit leaders meaningful lessons on empathetic leadership, sustainable leadership, protecting what matters most, learning to say no, and turning personal pain into service for others.
Key Topics Include:
- Matthew and Hannah Efird’s experience receiving their son Noah’s Trisomy 13 diagnosis and preparing for the loss of their child
- The 57 and a half hours Matthew and Hannah were able to spend with Noah and how his life continues to shape their family
- How intentional communication helped Matthew and Hannah protect their marriage while navigating grief
- Why journaling, counseling, community, and openly processing difficult emotions became essential parts of Matthew’s grief journey
- How Matthew’s personal journals eventually became his book, Even Though We Will, written in part to provide a father’s perspective on child loss
- How the Even Though We Will Foundation helps families connect with resources and support while navigating child loss and terminal diagnoses
- Leadership lessons around empathy, burnout, delegation, protecting your time, setting 90-day priorities, and understanding that every “yes” is also a “no” to something else
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Matthew Efird: https://matthewefird.com
- Even Though We Will Foundation: https://eventhoughwewill.com
- Even Though We Will by Matthew Efird: https://eventhoughwewill.com
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox: https://donorbox.org
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Amy TomassoAmerica’s housing crisis is not only about affordability—it is also about a lack of diverse housing options for people at different income levels and stages of life. In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Amy Tomasso, Director of Policy Innovation at Ivory Innovations, about the “missing middle” between detached single-family homes and large apartment buildings. Amy explains how duplexes, triplexes, cottage courts, accessory dwelling units, and other smaller housing types could create more attainable options for first-time homebuyers, growing families, and older adults hoping to downsize.
Amy also shares how Ivory Innovations combines research, education, entrepreneurship, public policy, and hands-on affordable housing development to move promising ideas into practice. The conversation explores zoning reform, construction technology, innovative financing, cross-sector partnerships, and the important role nonprofit leaders and community foundations can play in developing local housing strategies.
Key Topics Include:
- Why the housing crisis affects community wellbeing, economic development, food security, and financial stability
- What “missing middle” housing is and why many communities stopped building it
- How zoning reform, smaller lots, streamlined approvals, and developer support can expand housing options
- How Ivory Innovations tests new construction technologies and housing solutions through its Fieldworks program
- Why successful housing policy reforms need committed champions from government, business, nonprofits, or the community
- What nonprofit organizations can learn from the public and private sectors—and what those sectors can learn from nonprofits
- How students and emerging leaders can enter the housing field through Hack-A-House and other educational opportunities
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Ivory Innovations
- The Little Book of Low-Cost, High-Impact Housing Solutions
- The Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability
- Ivory Innovations Fieldworks
- Hack-A-House
- Missing Middle Housing
- UCLA Housing Voice Podcast
- Fixer-Upper: How to Repair America’s Broken Housing Systems by Jenny Schuetz
- Escaping the Housing Trap by Charles Marohn Jr. and Daniel Herriges
- Missing Middle Housing: Thinking Big and Building Small to Respond to Today’s Housing Crisis by Daniel Parolek
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- Donorbox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Preston CochraneHousing is essential, but is it enough to create lasting change for people experiencing chronic homelessness? In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Preston Cochrane, CEO of The Other Side Village in Salt Lake City, Utah, about the nonprofit’s human-centered approach to homelessness. Rather than treating residents as clients or case numbers, the organization creates a supportive community where people can rebuild relationships, rediscover purpose, develop practical skills, and take responsibility for their futures.
Preston explains how The Other Side Village combines permanent housing with peer mentorship, meaningful work, recovery support, social enterprise, and a democratic therapeutic community. He also discusses the need to balance compassion with accountability, why lived experience is central to the organization’s coaching model, and how the village measures long-term success through housing stability, self-reliance, sobriety, and crime-free living.
Key Topics Include:
- Why housing alone may not address the isolation, trauma, addiction, mental health challenges, and broken relationships connected to chronic homelessness
- How a human-centered model helps residents move beyond short-term stabilization toward lasting transformation
- The importance of balancing compassion and accountability when serving people experiencing homelessness
- How coaches with lived experience provide credible peer support, mentorship, and encouragement
- Why residents are called neighbors and participate in a democratic therapeutic community
- How social enterprises provide employment, workforce training, purpose, and sustainable revenue
- The four outcomes The Other Side Village uses to measure success: permanent housing, employment or self-reliance, drug-free living, and crime-free living
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Learn more about The Other Side Village
- Connect with Preston Cochrane on LinkedIn
- Learn more about The Other Side Academy
- Visit The Other Side Donuts
- Learn more about the National League of Cities
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- Donorbox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Donors want to know that their generosity is making a real difference. Yet many gifts can feel like they disappear into a “black box,” leaving supporters unsure where their donations went or whom they helped. In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Antonis Politis, CEO and co-founder of Givelink, and Panos Kokmotos, COO and co-founder of Givelink, about how greater transparency can strengthen donor trust, improve the giving experience, and increase donor retention.
Givelink enables donors to purchase products that nonprofits currently need, track those items through delivery, and receive photos, videos, and personalized stories showing their impact. Antonis and Panos explain why nonprofits should make giving more tangible and human, how AI can personalize donor communications without replacing authentic connection, and why Givelink’s transparency model has led donors to give approximately 60% more annually.
Key Topics Include:
- Why uncertainty about where donations go can weaken donor trust and retention
- How Givelink connects donors with the specific products nonprofits currently need
- Why nonprofits should be able to track charitable impact as easily as consumers track a package
- How photos, videos, and personalized impact stories make giving more tangible
- Why Givelink reports that donors give approximately 60% more annually through its platform
- How nonprofits can use AI to personalize donor communications while preserving authentic human connection
- How Givelink provides its in-kind donation platform to nonprofits at no cost
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Learn more about Givelink and its free in-kind donation platform for nonprofits: Givelink
- Explore Givelink’s resources for nonprofit organizations: Givelink for Nonprofits
- Research nonprofit accountability and transparency: Charity Navigator
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- Donorbox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Why do people give—and what happens in the brain when they decide to support a cause? Rob Harter sits down with fundraising strategist, behavioral science expert, and Neurogiving author Cherian Koshy to explore the neuroscience behind generosity. Cherian explains why charitable giving is closely connected to emotion, identity, belonging, and the brain’s reward systems—and why facts alone rarely inspire someone to donate.
Cherian also shares practical ways nonprofit leaders can create more meaningful donor experiences, reduce unnecessary friction, and build lasting relationships rooted in trust. The conversation examines the ethical use of neuroscience and artificial intelligence in fundraising, emphasizing that these tools should deepen human connection rather than manipulate donors or reduce them to data points.
Key Topics Include:
- Why generosity and charitable giving are wired into the human brain
- How giving expresses a donor’s identity, values, passions, and sense of belonging
- Why nonprofit communications should connect emotionally before presenting facts and data
- How confusion, excessive choices, insider language, and complicated donation forms create friction
- The difference between harmful friction and intentional questions that reinforce donor identity
- Ethical considerations for using neuroscience and artificial intelligence in fundraising
- How consistency, curiosity, transparency, and patience build donor trust and lifelong loyalty
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Cherian Koshy’s Website
- Connect with Cherian Koshy on LinkedIn
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- Donorbox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Dr. Doris MachariaIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter speaks with Dr. Doris Macharia, President of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, about what it takes to lead with clarity, courage, and resilience during times of crisis. Dr. Macharia shares her journey from practicing medicine in Kenya to leading global HIV and public health initiatives, and how her background prepared her to step into executive leadership during a season of major international funding cuts.
Dr. Macharia offers practical insight for nonprofit leaders navigating uncertainty, staffing challenges, donor shifts, and organizational change. She emphasizes the importance of staying anchored to mission, communicating consistently, making decisive choices, caring for yourself as a leader, and building trust through presence, empathy, and action.
Key Topics Include:
- How nonprofit leaders can build trust when stepping into leadership during a crisis
- Why mission clarity gives organizations authority and direction during uncertain times
- Leading global health and nonprofit work through funding cuts and resource scarcity
- The importance of communication, listening, and visible leadership with staff and stakeholders
- How collaboration with governments, communities, donors, and partners strengthens impact
- Why leaders must make decisions quickly, even with limited information
- The role of self-care, family support, preparation, and personal values in sustainable leadership
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation: https://pedaids.org
- EGPAF on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egpaf
- EGPAF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elizabeth-glaser-pediatric-aids-foundation
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox:
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Clare Durrett and Dr. Terri Thompson of Answer ALS about how trust, collaboration, and shared data can accelerate meaningful impact. Answer ALS began after a powerful summit led by Steve Gleason and Team Gleason, where patients, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, and advocates came together to rethink how ALS research could move forward with fewer barriers and greater urgency.
Clare and Terri share how Answer ALS developed Neuromine, a globally accessible research platform designed to help researchers explore clinical, genomic, biological, and multi-omic data in one place. Their conversation offers valuable lessons for nonprofit leaders on building trust with stakeholders, protecting community-centered values, scaling ambitious work, and creating systems that make collaboration easier than working in isolation.
Key Topics Include:
- How Steve Gleason and the ALS community helped spark the creation of Answer ALS
- Why traditional disease research often gets slowed down by data silos and limited access
- How Neuromine helps researchers access, compare, and use complex ALS data more efficiently
- The importance of patient partnership, dignity, and agency in nonprofit and medical research models
- How Answer ALS balances global accessibility with privacy, security, and scientific rigor
- Why trust with donors, researchers, and the community is essential for long-term impact
- Lessons for nonprofit leaders on collaboration, transparency, data stewardship, and scaling a mission
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Answer ALS: https://www.answerals.org
- Neuromine: https://www.answerals.org/neuromine
- Answer ALS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/answer-als
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox:
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Jay WilliamsIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Jay Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation. Jay shares his leadership journey from banking and public service to becoming the first African American and youngest mayor of Youngstown, Ohio, serving in the Obama administration, and now leading one of Connecticut’s major community foundations.
Rob and Jay discuss how philanthropy, nonprofit partnerships, workforce development, and education can come together to create lasting community impact. Jay explains why the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is investing deeply in the next generation through its Greater Futures Scholarship partnership with Hartford Promise, helping students access college, wraparound support, and the opportunity to graduate with little to no student loan debt.
Key Topics Include:
- Jay Williams’ journey from banking and public service to nonprofit and philanthropic leadership
- Why community foundations must use data, partnerships, and local insight to address inequity
- The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s five strategic priorities: basic human needs, employment, thriving neighborhoods, civic resident engagement, and arts and culture
- How student loan debt impacts local economies, workforce development, homeownership, and long-term community growth
- The Greater Futures Scholarship partnership with Hartford Promise and its potential to provide up to $100,000 over four years
- Why wraparound services are essential for helping first-generation college students succeed
- Leadership lessons on building strong teams, creating a collaborative culture, and taking responsibility when challenges arise
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
- Greater Futures Scholarship Fund
- Hartford Promise
- Hartford Promise Scholarship
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Michelle Dubiski, mother of Madison Dubiski, who tragically lost her life during the 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy in Houston. Michelle shares Madison’s servant-hearted spirit, her deep love for others, and how an organic movement called #PinkBowsForMadison became a symbol of love, remembrance, and hope.
Rob is also joined by Steve Allen, an event management and crowd safety expert who has partnered with the Pink Bows Foundation to help create global standards for show-stop procedures and live event safety. Together, Michelle and Steve share how grief has been transformed into advocacy, education, safe spaces, and a growing movement to prevent future tragedies at concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other large gatherings.
Key Topics Include:
- The story of Madison Dubiski and the tragedy that inspired the Pink Bows Foundation
- How the #PinkBowsForMadison movement spread from Houston across the world
- Why nonprofits can grow powerful movements through community support, clarity of mission, and collaboration
- The foundation’s three pillars: philanthropic giving, safe spaces at events, and show-stop safety training
- How Steve Allen and Dr. Mark Hamilton helped develop an internationally accredited show-stop procedure course
- Why live event safety protocols matter at concerts, festivals, stadiums, and large public gatherings
- How the Pink Bows Foundation is partnering with global experts, venues, promoters, and public safety leaders to create lasting change
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Pink Bows Foundation
- About the Pink Bows Foundation
- Pink Bows Foundation: Madison Dubiski’s family turns tragedy into advocacy (Pink Bows Foundation)
- Email the Pink Bows Foundation: info@pinkbowsfoundation.org
- Follow the Pink Bows Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Hanna BauerIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Hanna Bauer, founder of HEARTnomics®, about what it really means to lead with clarity, courage, and service. Hanna shares how her childhood battle with heart disease, including a groundbreaking heart ablation surgery, shaped the way she thinks about uncertainty, resilience, and servant leadership.
Drawing from her work as a leadership strategist, consultant, coach, and speaker, Hanna explains how nonprofit leaders can move beyond reactive decision-making and build sustainable organizations rooted in vision, values, accountability, and trust. She also introduces her HEART leadership framework and BEAT method as practical tools for helping leaders align people, purpose, performance, and long-term impact.
Key Topics Include:
- How Hanna’s childhood experience with heart disease shaped her leadership philosophy
- Why effective leadership begins with service and a clear vision
- The importance of values-based leadership for nonprofit culture and trust
- How the HEART framework helps leaders build alignment, sustainability, and impact
- Why founder-led nonprofits often struggle with sustainability and succession
- How nonprofit leaders can recognize burnout and create healthier rhythms of leadership
- Moving from reactive leadership to proactive, values-driven decision-making
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Hanna Bauer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauerhanna
- HEARTnomics: https://heartnomics.com
- HEARTnomics Leadership Profile: https://heartnomics.com/heartnomics-leadership-profile/
- Ser Familia: https://serfamilia.org
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Arun GuptaIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter speaks with Arun Gupta, CEO of NobleReach Foundation, venture capitalist, Stanford lecturer, Georgetown entrepreneurship professor, and bestselling author of The Mission Generation. Arun shares how his work across entrepreneurship, technology, public policy, venture finance, and social impact has shaped his belief that today’s workforce is increasingly seeking purpose, mission, and public impact in their careers.
Rob and Arun discuss how the pandemic, geopolitical instability, artificial intelligence, and rapid social change have caused many people across generations to rethink what they want from work. Arun explains why “stability is the new risk,” why mission-driven careers are no longer limited to one generation or one sector, and how nonprofit leaders can foster innovation, experimentation, and cross-sector collaboration without losing sight of their mission.
Key Topics Include:
- Why emerging and established leaders are increasingly seeking purpose, impact, and mission in their work
- What Arun means by the “Mission Generation” and why it is a posture, not simply an age group
- The four major barriers to mission-driven careers: internal, relational, societal, and institutional
- How nonprofit leaders can help staff connect personal ambition with civic responsibility
- Why social impact organizations need to embrace experimentation, risk-taking, and innovation
- The importance of cross-sector careers that move between nonprofit, business, government, and technology
- Why trust, talent, and interdependence will be critical for the future of mission-driven leadership
Mentioned in This Episode:
- The Mission Generation:
- NobleReach Foundation:
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox:
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Dianne BaileyIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter talks with Dianne Bailey, Managing Director and National Philanthropic Strategy Executive at Bank of America Private Bank, about the changing landscape of nonprofit fundraising, affluent donors, and the future of charitable giving. Dianne brings decades of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit law, donor strategy, and foundation work, offering a unique view from the intersection of donors and nonprofit leaders.
Rob and Dianne discuss key findings from the Bank of America Study of Philanthropy, including why total giving is increasing while fewer households are giving, how nonprofits can build deeper donor relationships, and why volunteer engagement often leads to greater generosity. They also explore donor advised funds, planned giving, women in philanthropy, rising-generation donors, and the massive intergenerational wealth transfer that could reshape nonprofit fundraising for decades to come.
Key Topics Include:
- Why fewer affluent households are giving, even as total charitable giving continues to rise
- How nonprofits can move from transactional fundraising to relational donor engagement
- The importance of listening to donors and aligning giving opportunities with their values, interests, and experiences
- Why volunteers often become stronger, more generous long-term donors
- How nonprofits can prepare for the great intergenerational wealth transfer through planned giving
- Why women and rising-generation donors should be key priorities for nonprofit fundraising strategies
- How donor advised funds can help nonprofits receive larger and more strategic gifts
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Bank of America Study of Philanthropy
- Connect with Dianne Bailey on LinkedIn
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Walter KimIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Walter Kim, president of the NAE, about the urgent need to rebuild trust, strengthen local communities, and rediscover what it means to be a good neighbor. Walter shares how declining trust, loneliness, polarization, and compassion fatigue are affecting generosity, volunteerism, and civic life across the country.
Walter also introduces the Good Neighbor Day America movement, a nationwide call to service designed to help churches, nonprofits, and community groups take simple, practical steps toward neighborliness. From cleaning up parks to supporting local schools, feeding people, and partnering across differences, Walter explains how small acts of kindness can grow into meaningful community transformation.
Key Topics Include:
- Why trust is declining in communities, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations
- How polarization and ideological conflict affect generosity and volunteer engagement
- The importance of relational proximity in rebuilding trust at the local level
- How compassion fatigue, loss of agency, and lack of access can prevent people from serving
- Why small, visible acts of kindness can create lasting cultural change
- The vision behind Good Neighbor Day America and how organizations can participate
- How nonprofit leaders can model service, humility, empathy, and neighborliness
Mentioned in This Episode:
- National Association of Evangelicals
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Steve CadiganIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Steve Cadigan, talent strategist, author of Workquake, and LinkedIn’s first Chief HR Officer. Steve shares how the employer-employee relationship has changed dramatically in recent years, especially as AI, remote work, frequent career changes, and shifting expectations around purpose and flexibility continue to reshape the workplace.
Steve explains why nonprofit leaders can no longer rely on traditional ideas of long-term retention or job security. Instead, he encourages leaders to offer “career security” by helping employees grow, learn, and become better prepared for an uncertain future. For nonprofits, this shift creates a powerful opportunity to attract mission-driven talent, build stronger alumni relationships, redesign roles for shorter talent cycles, and create cultures where people want to contribute deeply—even if they do not stay forever.
Key Topics Include:
- Why the “workquake” is changing how leaders recruit, retain, and develop talent
- The difference between job security and career security
- How nonprofit leaders can build stronger talent strategies in a short-tenure workplace
- Why employees are increasingly loyal to learning, growth, and purpose
- How nonprofits can attract people in career transition through “tour of duty” roles
- The value of alumni communities and maintaining relationships with former employees
- Why reverse mentoring can help younger employees contribute, grow, and stay engaged
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Steve Cadigan’s website: https://stevecadigan.com
- Steve Cadigan’s book, Workquake: https://stevecadigan.com/workquake/
- Steve Cardigan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan/
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Caitlin BaronIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Caitlin Baron, CEO of the Luminos Fund, to discuss how nonprofit leaders can sustain long-term impact while scaling mission-driven work. Caitlin shares her personal journey from growing up in Brooklyn, where she saw firsthand how education changes opportunity, to leading international education initiatives that help children who have been denied access to school.
Caitlin explains how the Luminos Fund creates second-chance education programs for out-of-school children across Africa, helping students cover three years of learning in just one year. She also shares practical leadership insights on scaling impact, building strong partnerships, staying focused on mission, cultivating joyful learning environments, and growing as a leader while an organization expands.
Key Topics Include:
- How the Luminos Fund helps out-of-school children catch up and reenter school with peers their own age
- Why nonprofit leaders should focus on community assets instead of only looking at needs or deficits
- How Luminos scales impact through African-led community-based organizations and government partnerships
- The importance of open-source tools, teacher guides, and the Luminos Method for expanding education access
- Why joyful learning, play-based instruction, and safe classroom environments accelerate academic outcomes
- How Caitlin’s leadership evolved from hands-on program builder to steward of strategy, culture, hiring, and risk management
- Why nonprofit CEOs must stay in dialogue with the external environment while keeping internal teams aligned
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Luminos Fund: https://luminosfund.org
- The Luminos Method: https://luminosfund.org/luminos-method
- Luminos Method on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
In this special four-state panel discussion, Rob Harter brings together nonprofit leaders from Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado to discuss the biggest trends impacting nonprofit leadership today. Guests Jill Bennett of the Utah Nonprofits Association, Kevin Bailey of the Idaho Community Foundation and Idaho Nonprofit Center, Jodi Shields of the Wyoming Nonprofit Network, and Lloyd Lewis of arc Thrift Stores share practical insights on financial sustainability, fundraising challenges, staff burnout, AI, board governance, collaboration, and social enterprise.
Together, the panel explores how nonprofit organizations can continue to serve rising community needs while facing funding uncertainty, workforce pressure, and rapid technological change. This conversation offers honest encouragement and practical strategies for executive directors, board members, fundraisers, and nonprofit staff who are navigating today’s complex nonprofit landscape.
Key Topics Include:
- How nonprofit leaders are responding to financial uncertainty, changing donor behavior, and reduced grant funding
- The growing challenge of nonprofit staff burnout and how organizations can better support and retain employees
- Why mission alignment, flexible work, clear expectations, and healthy workplace culture matter for nonprofit retention
- Practical ways nonprofits are using AI and technology to save time, improve communication, and strengthen operations
- Board governance best practices, including the role of the board, ideal board size, and when to use advisory boards
- How nonprofit collaboration, mergers, shared services, and collective impact models can increase effectiveness
- The importance of joining state nonprofit associations and building a stronger collective voice for the sector
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Utah Nonprofits Association
- UTAHGIVES
- Idaho Community Foundation
- Idaho Nonprofit Center
- Idaho Gives
- Wyoming Nonprofit Network
- WyoGives
- arc Thrift Stores
- arc Thrift Stores Gala
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Pierre Le ManhIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Pierre Le Manh, President and CEO of Project Management Institute (PMI), about how nonprofit leaders can stay grounded in their mission while navigating rapid change, uncertainty, and transformation. Pierre shares why clarity of purpose, adaptive execution, transparency, and values-based leadership are essential for keeping teams aligned and motivated even when conditions are shifting.
Rob and Pierre also explore why project management skills are no longer reserved for people with the project manager title. From prioritization and stakeholder alignment to AI adoption, enterprise agility, and long-term thinking, this conversation offers practical leadership insights for nonprofit executives who want to improve execution, avoid mission drift, and lead change with empathy. Pierre also points listeners to PMI’s resources and his LinkedIn profile for continued learning.
Key Topics Include:
- How nonprofit leaders can stay anchored in purpose during seasons of rapid change and uncertainty
- Why adaptive execution often works better than overplanning and overregulating in mission-driven organizations
- The growing importance of project management skills for nonprofit leaders, CEOs, and teams leading transformation
- How prioritization, planning, and stakeholder trust directly improve mission outcomes
- What it looks like to integrate AI with empathy, experimentation, and people-first leadership
- How to avoid shiny object syndrome and build practical guardrails around new technology adoption
- Why resilience, reflective practice, and long-term thinking help leaders sustain impact over time
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Pierre Le Manh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-le-manh-3a4158
- Project Management Institute (PMI): https://www.pmi.org/
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- Donorbox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Greg WarnerIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Greg Warner, founder of MarketSmart, to explore how nonprofit leaders can use fundraising data more effectively. Greg shares the story behind the Fundraising Report Card, a free tool designed to help organizations better understand donor retention, lapsed donors, giving trends, and overall fundraising performance.
The conversation also dives into the future of fundraising, including how AI can create efficiencies, improve donor engagement, and free up development teams to focus more on meaningful relationships. Greg offers a powerful reminder that donors should never be treated like ATMs, but rather as people looking for purpose, trust, and connection through their giving.
Key Topics Include:
- What the Fundraising Report Card is and how it helps nonprofits assess donor trends, retention, and lapsed giving
- Why lifetime donor value is one of the most important metrics nonprofit leaders should understand
- Common data challenges organizations face, including poor data hygiene and activity-based measurement
- How AI can improve fundraising efficiency by handling repetitive tasks and supporting donor cultivation
- Why donor relationships should be approached relationally rather than transactionally
- How empathy for the donor experience can lead to more transformational gifts
- What nonprofit leaders should prepare for as fundraising continues to evolve in the years ahead
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Greg Warner on LinkedIn
- MarketSmart: iMarketSmart.com
- Fundraising Report Card: FundraisingReportCard.com
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Christoph GorderIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter sits down with Christoph Gorder, leader of Airbnb.org, to explore how Airbnb has built a social impact model that looks very different from a traditional corporate foundation. As an independent 501(c)(3), Airbnb.org operates separately from Airbnb while still leveraging the company’s technology, host network, and infrastructure to provide emergency housing for people displaced by disasters and other crises.
Christoph shares how Airbnb.org is rethinking disaster response by using millions of available homes around the world to provide fast, flexible, dignified shelter for families in need. He also talks about leadership, scaling nonprofit impact, the role of AI and technology in modern nonprofit operations, and why strategic partnerships are essential for responding effectively in moments of crisis. This conversation is packed with insights for nonprofit leaders who want to innovate, collaborate, and maximize their mission impact.
Key Topics Include:
- How Airbnb.org is structured as an independent 501(c)(3) with its own board and mission
- Why Airbnb.org’s model is different from a traditional corporate social responsibility or philanthropic arm
- How the organization scaled from responding to 8 disasters in 2023 to 78 disasters two years later
- What nonprofit leaders can learn about focus, standardization, and scaling wisely
- How Airbnb.org used local partnerships like 211LA and Catholic Charities to respond quickly during the Los Angeles wildfires
- Why giving displaced families choice and control is such an important part of effective disaster housing
- How AI, technology, and collaboration can help nonprofits become more efficient and responsive
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Airbnb.org
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
David Beckmann joins Dr. Rob Harter for a conversation on poverty alleviation, public policy, and the practical steps nonprofit leaders can take to reduce hunger and hardship in the United States and around the world. A pastor, economist, activist, and former president of Bread for the World, David shares insights from decades of advocacy work and discusses the central ideas in his book, Poverty Abolitionists.
In this episode, David reflects on the significant progress that has been made in reducing poverty over recent decades, while also warning that recent policy shifts are reversing some of those gains. Rob and David explore the role of nonprofit advocacy, the intersection of faith and public policy, and why leaders in the social impact sector need a vision that extends beyond their own organizations.
Key Topics Include:
- Why David Beckmann believes poverty is a solvable problem in the U.S. and globally
- What decades of data reveal about the dramatic decline in global and U.S. poverty rates
- How advocacy can help nonprofit leaders influence policies that affect hunger and poverty
- The impact of government funding cuts, tariffs, and immigration policies on vulnerable communities
- Why nonprofit organizations play a unique role in offering both practical support and personal connection
- How faith, spirituality, and beliefs about justice can shape public support for anti-poverty policies
- Why nonprofit leaders need a mission bigger than their organization to create lasting change
Mentioned in This Episode:
- David Beckmann’s website: https://www.davidbeckmann.net
- David Beckmann’s book: Poverty Abolitionists
- Bread for the World: https://www.bread.org
- Alliance to End Hunger: https://alliancetoendhunger.org
- Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Asiaha ButlerIn this episode Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Asiaha Butler, co-founder and CEO of the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.), to explore how one resident’s decision to stay transformed into a powerful, resident-led movement for community healing, ownership, and revitalization. Asiaha shares the defining moment that changed her life: seeing a young girl playing in a vacant lot filled with broken glass and deciding that leaving Englewood was no longer the answer.
Through this conversation, Asiaha unpacks how grassroots leadership, deep relationship-building, and a mission bigger than yourself can spark lasting change. From helping residents reclaim vacant lots to promoting homeownership, economic justice, and neighborhood belonging, her story offers nonprofit leaders a compelling model for building trust, preventing mission drift, and leading with both courage and joy.
Key Topics Include:
- How a single moment in a vacant lot inspired Asiaha Butler to stay in Englewood and invest in her community
- The founding story ofR.A.G.E. (Resident Association of Greater Englewood) and its resident-led approach to transformation
- Why “community development of the mind” is essential before physical redevelopment can succeed
- How relationship-building, belonging, and “porch life” help restore social fabric in disconnected communities
- The role of vacant land activation, homeownership, and the Buy the Block Homebuyer Grant in advancing economic justice
- How nonprofit leaders can document their story, reflect on their journey, and share their mission more effectively
- Asiaha’s leadership lessons on rest, reflection, joy, and preventing burnout in mission-driven work
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.)
- Asiaha Butler on Instagram (@mrs_englewood)
- R.A.G.E. on Instagram (@rage_englewood)
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Julia DevineIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Julia Devine of Relatable Nonprofit to explore the rapid rise of nonprofit consulting and why more professionals are moving into this space. Drawing from a new industry report based on responses from 381 nonprofit consultants, Julia shares what is fueling this post-COVID shift and why nonprofits are increasingly turning to consultants and fractional experts to solve urgent capacity gaps.
Rob and Julia also unpack some of the biggest myths about nonprofit consulting, including the idea that only certain specialties earn more or that consulting is simply an easy career pivot. They discuss what today’s nonprofit consultants actually do, how retainers and project-based work are shaping the field, and what nonprofit leaders should understand about hiring outside expertise in a changing funding environment.
Key Topics Include:
- Why nonprofit consulting has grown significantly over the last five years, especially after COVID
- How layoffs, federal funding cuts, and reduced grant support are pushing professionals toward consulting
- Why nonprofits are hiring consultants and fractional workers instead of adding full-time staff
- What Julia Devine’s report revealed about consultant earnings, hourly rates, and business models
- The difference between nonprofit consulting and fractional roles such as CFO, COO, or CEO support
- Why niche positioning and problem-specific marketing matter more than offering general services
- How retainer agreements and project-based work are helping consultants build sustainable income
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Relatable Nonprofit
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Stefan FeuersteinIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Stefan Feuerstein to explore why healthy delegation is essential for nonprofit leaders who want to avoid burnout and build sustainable organizations. Drawing on years of leadership experience in the humanitarian sector, Stefan explains that delegation is not about getting work off your plate, but about empowering team members, clarifying responsibility, and helping others grow into greater leadership.
Rob and Stefan unpack the fears that often keep mission-driven leaders from delegating well, especially the fear that the mission will suffer if someone else takes on key responsibilities. Stefan shares practical insights from his A-B-C Delegation Framework and explains how leaders can create healthier teams by defining responsibility, building trust, and developing people in ways that strengthen both the organization and its impact.
Key Topics Include:
- Why delegation is a leadership skill every nonprofit leader must develop
- How poor delegation contributes to burnout, bottlenecks, and micromanagement
- The fear and control issues that keep leaders from letting go
- What healthy delegation looks like in a growing organization
- How Stefan’s A-B-C Delegation Framework creates clarity and trust
- Why delegation should be used to develop people, not just distribute tasks
- A practical first step leaders can take this week to reduce overwhelm
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Stefan Feuerstein’s website: https://abcdelegation.com/
- Stefan Feuerstein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-feuerstein-0b35a7117
- Stefan’s book, A-B-C Delegation: The Manager’s Guide to Effective Delegation:
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- Donorbox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Michael ThatcherIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Michael Thatcher, CEO of Charity Navigator, to explore how the nation’s largest independent charity evaluator is evolving to better serve donors and nonprofits alike. With over a decade at the helm, Michael shares how his background in technology and impact measurement has shaped Charity Navigator’s shift toward a more comprehensive, 360-degree view of nonprofit effectiveness.
From financial transparency and governance best practices to measuring real impact and rebuilding trust in the nonprofit sector, this conversation dives deep into how data-informed giving can strengthen both donor confidence and organizational performance. Whether you’re a nonprofit executive striving for a higher rating or a donor seeking to invest in meaningful change, this episode provides practical insights to help you give—and lead—smarter.
Key Topics Include:
- The mission of Charity Navigator and how it has expanded to rate over 250,000 nonprofits
- Why overhead is not a proxy for impact—and how to think beyond simple financial ratios
- Best practices for improving your nonprofit’s rating, including governance, transparency, and data submission
- How Charity Navigator’s new 360-degree rating system evaluates organizational health and impact
- The importance of transparency, independent boards, and posting your IRS Form 990
- Why donors should think of their giving as an investment in impact, not just a charitable transaction
- Addressing declining trust in the nonprofit sector and the role of third-party evaluators in rebuilding confidence
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Charity Navigator
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Suzanne EhlersIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Suzanne Ehlers, Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR (the fundraising partner of the UN Refugee Agency), to explore how women are reshaping philanthropy—and how nonprofits can better design giving models that reflect who is actually driving decisions. Suzanne shares why traditional fundraising approaches often haven’t been built with women at the center, even though women influence the vast majority of giving decisions and are poised to inherit a significant portion of global wealth. (UNHCR)
Suzanne also unpacks USA for UNHCR’s women-led campaign, Building Better Futures, a $15M initiative that supports refugee women through higher-education scholarships via UNHCR’s DAFI program. Together, Rob and Suzanne discuss how relationship-based philanthropy, authentic storytelling, and flexible program delivery can create deeper donor engagement and more durable impact for refugee women and girls. (UNHCR)
Key Topics Include:
- Why philanthropy models must evolve to match who drives giving decisions—and why women’s leadership in giving matters
- How Building Better Futures centers women “soup to nuts”: donor voice, decision-making, and impact priorities
- The power shift from transactional fundraising to relationship-driven philanthropy and shared purpose
- How USA for UNHCR is helping sustain and expand the DAFI Scholarship Programme for refugee higher education
- Closing the gender gap in refugee education by intentionally prioritizing women scholars
- Storytelling that’s “by and for” women—using authentic refugee voices to inspire action
- Why flexibility (host-country study, support systems, and virtual options) is essential for education programs in refugee contexts
Mentioned in This Episode:
- USA for UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency fundraising partner): https://www.unrefugees.org
- Building Better Futures campaign: https://www.unrefugees.org/building-better-futures/
- UNHCR’s DAFI Tertiary Scholarship Programme: https://www.unhcr.org/us/what-we-do/build-better-futures/education/higher-education-and-skills/dafi-tertiary-scholarship-0
- Suzanne Ehlers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-ehlers
- Not Really Strangers Podcast https://www.unrefugees.org/not-really-strangers-podcast/ (UNHCR)
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Mitch SteinIn this timely and data-packed episode, Rob Harter sits down with Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot, to unpack one of the most important—and fastest-growing—trends in nonprofit fundraising: Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). With economic uncertainty, shifting donor behavior, and fewer individuals giving overall, nonprofit leaders must understand how to meet donors where they are. And increasingly, that’s through DAFs.
Mitch shares eye-opening statistics, including that nearly 20% of all charitable donations now come from DAFs, totaling $65 billion in grants in 2024 alone. He explains how DAFs work, why donors love them, common misconceptions around payout rates, and—most importantly—how nonprofits can create a clear and effective DAF strategy to increase revenue and donor engagement. If you’re looking to future-proof your fundraising efforts, this is a must-listen episode.
Key Topics Include:
- The explosive growth of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), with $326 billion currently held in DAF accounts
- Why approximately 1 in 5 charitable dollars now comes from a DAF
- How DAFs work and the tax advantages that attract donors
- Common misconceptions about DAF payout rates and “hoarding” concerns
- The 10x increase in average gift size when donors switch from credit cards to DAFs
- Practical steps nonprofits can take to build a DAF strategy
- How to leverage DAF Day and integrate DAF messaging into existing fundraising campaigns
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Chariot
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Tim ElmoreIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders and author of The Future Begins With Z, for a thought-provoking discussion on how nonprofit and social impact organizations can better attract, engage, and retain Generation Z talent. Drawing from decades of experience and recent research with over 2,000 Gen Z individuals, Tim shares surprising insights about Gen Z’s workplace mindset, their desire for purpose-driven work, and how leaders can adapt to unlock the potential of this emerging generation.
Tim dispels common myths about Gen Z—including the idea that they lack work ethic—and instead highlights their unique strengths: intuitive tech skills, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial thinking, and a deep passion for social justice. He offers practical, data-backed strategies for nonprofit leaders to become more effective mentors, foster inclusive workplace cultures, and design roles that engage Gen Zers in meaningful ways. If your organization is looking to future-proof its team and mission, this episode is a must-listen.
Key Topics Include:
- Why Gen Z may be the solution to future challenges—not just another workforce “problem”
- The Peter Pan Paradox: how the age of authority is decreasing while the age of maturity rises
- Practical tips for recruiting and retaining Gen Z talent, including optimizing your website and onboarding experience
- How reverse mentoring can empower Gen Zers and improve your leadership
- Creating a “first job” experience that inspires loyalty and learning
- Strategies for addressing Gen Z’s mental health needs with empathy and structure
- How Gen Z is reshaping views on leadership, feedback, and workplace culture
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Tim Elmore’s website: TimElmore.com
- The Future Begins With Z (Tim’s latest book)
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox.org
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Matt NashDr. Rob Harter sits down with Matt Nash, Executive Director of The Blackbaud Giving Fund, to unpack the recent changes in federal tax law that significantly impact corporate giving. With corporate philanthropy under increased scrutiny and new tax hurdles on the horizon, Matt offers timely insights and actionable advice for nonprofits looking to maintain or grow their corporate donor base.
The discussion dives into how the 1% income floor for corporate charitable deductions, taking effect in 2026, might affect corporate giving patterns—particularly for small and mid-sized nonprofits. Matt shares strategies for strengthening corporate relationships, tailoring outreach based on business size, and leveraging tools like AI and workplace giving platforms to better tell your story and attract support.
Key Topics Include:
- The impact of the new 1% income threshold for corporate tax deductions starting in 2026
- Why brand image and community presence are bigger motivators for corporate giving than tax deductions
- How nonprofits can adapt their strategy for small, mid-sized, and large corporations
- The importance of storytelling, emotional connection, and measurable impact reporting in donor relations
- How to leverage volunteerism and in-kind donations even when corporate cash gifts are cut
- Best practices for sustaining and deepening corporate partnerships during policy and funding shifts
- Why AI tools and online presence matter more than ever for workplace giving platforms
Mentioned in This Episode:
- The Blackbaud Giving Fund
- Matt Nash on LinkedIn
- The Blackbaud Giving Fund on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Dan Pallotta—renowned author, TED Talk speaker, and social impact provocateur—to discuss what it really takes to solve the world’s biggest problems. Known for challenging the status quo in the nonprofit sector, Dan pushes listeners to think beyond conventional limitations, urging nonprofit leaders and donors alike to reimagine what’s possible when we truly embrace bold, audacious goals.
Dan unpacks his groundbreaking fundraising innovations, including the AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Day Walks, and dives into key themes from his recent documentary Uncharitable. He emphasizes that nonprofits need to stop playing it safe and start empowering people to explore their own heroism—whether it’s through higher-risk initiatives or rethinking how we define overhead and impact. This episode will inspire you to challenge outdated assumptions and push your organization to dream—and do—bigger.
Key Topics Include:
- The origin and impact of Dan’s fundraising innovations, including the AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Day events
- Why nonprofits must reframe how they view overhead, salaries, and investments
- The danger of playing it safe: how fear of failure stifles nonprofit innovation
- Exploring the concept of fundraising as a path to individual heroism
- Why bold, time-bound goals are essential for real social impact
- The importance of capital investment and risk-taking in the nonprofit sector
- Insights from the Uncharitable documentary and how it’s shifting donor mindsets
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Dan Pallotta’s Website: DanPallotta.com
- Watch Uncharitable: UncharitableMovie.com
- The Audacious Project: audaciousproject.org
- No Kid Hungry: nokidhungry.org
- Social Current: social-current.org
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Julia CampbellIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter is joined by Julia Campbell, a renowned nonprofit strategist and host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast. With over 20 years in the field, Julia shares the latest data-backed fundraising trends shaping 2026 and what nonprofits can do to thrive amidst economic shifts and evolving donor expectations.
Julia emphasizes the growing importance of recurring giving programs, the need for intentional donor communication, and why many nonprofits are leaving billions on the table. She also dives into the impact of generational wealth transfer, how AI and technology can support donor engagement, and how storytelling—not just data—can move donors to action. Tune in to learn innovative approaches, digital strategies, and the mindset shifts nonprofit leaders need to succeed in today’s changing landscape.
Key Topics Include:
- Why recurring giving is essential in a subscription-based world
- How nonprofits are unintentionally losing out on $52 billion in potential donations
- The myth of donor fatigue—and what donors are really tired of
- Storytelling strategies that drive donor engagement and retention
- Effective use of AI for content repurposing and personalized communication
- Innovative fundraising tactics using SMS, Facebook DMs, and short-form video
- How to connect with Gen Z and millennial donors through mission-focused social content
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Julia Campbell’s Website: jcsocialmarketing.com
- Julia’s Podcast: Nonprofit Nation Podcast
- GivingTuesday Data Commons: givingtuesday.org/data
- Plummer Youth Promise: plummeryouthpromise.org
- Amirah, Inc.: amirahinc.org
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Betsy SchmidtIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter sits down with Elizabeth “Betsy” Schmidt, senior research fellow at the University of Massachusetts and author of the new book Rules of the Road for Nonprofit Leaders. Betsy brings her decades of experience in public policy and nonprofit law to the table to demystify complex legal frameworks and help leaders leverage the law to support their mission.
Together, Rob and Betsy explore the often misunderstood legal and ethical responsibilities of nonprofit leaders. From navigating political activity and advocacy to understanding the distinctions between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, this episode offers practical and empowering guidance for social impact organizations seeking to remain compliant and mission-focused in an evolving landscape.
Key Topics Include:
- The difference between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, and when to consider forming a C4
- Legal boundaries for nonprofit advocacy, lobbying, and political activity
- How staying true to your mission often ensures legal compliance
- Best practices for nonprofit governance, financial oversight, and ethics
- How federal and state-level regulations are shifting and what to watch for in 2026
- Common legal pitfalls nonprofits face and how to avoid them
- Resources and tools for staying up to date with nonprofit law
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Rules of the Road for Nonprofit Leaders (Georgetown University Press)
- NonprofitRules.com
- Bookshop.org
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Rob speaks with Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, a nonprofit that has been at the forefront of providing safe, dignified, and inclusive care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Stack shares his personal journey that led him into this field, beginning with volunteering as a young seminarian and evolving into decades of nonprofit leadership.
Robert offers eye-opening insights into the challenges and injustices still facing the disability care sector—from exploitative practices by private equity firms to deeply flawed state-run institutions. He also outlines Community Options’ impactful approach: prioritizing person-centered care, scaling nonprofit services responsibly, and advocating for inclusive employment that uplifts people with disabilities. His book, Silent No Longer, is a call to action for society to demand dignity and rights for all individuals, regardless of ability.
Key Topics Include:
- The negative impact of private equity investment in disability care services
- How state-run institutions often prioritize employment over quality care
- The injustice of sub-minimum wages and legal aversion therapies still used in some states
- The importance of inclusive employment and its social benefits for individuals with disabilities
- Community Options’ approach to personalized care and their growth across 12 states
- Why mentorship and dignity-driven programming lead to better outcomes
- What Robert Stack hopes readers take away from his book Silent No Longer
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Community Options
- RobertStack.org
- Silent No Longer (Book)
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Laura ParkerIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Laura Parker, CEO and co-founder of The Exodus Road, a nonprofit combating human trafficking across the globe. Laura shares the deeply personal and powerful story of how she and her husband were first confronted with the realities of trafficking while working in Northern Thailand, which ultimately inspired them to launch their organization. With operations now spanning four countries, The Exodus Road works alongside law enforcement and communities to prevent exploitation, rescue victims, and support survivor aftercare.
Laura discusses the leadership principles and cultural values that have fueled the growth and resilience of her organization, including grit, empathy, excellence, and collaboration. She also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive workplace culture in an industry often mired in darkness.
Key Topics Include:
- The origin story of The Exodus Road and its mission to fight human trafficking
- How grit and persistence have been key to the organization’s impact and longevity
- Laura’s collaborative yet decisive leadership style as a “reluctant CEO”
- The critical role of workplace culture, communication, and survivor-centered storytelling
- Strategies for balancing international work with U.S.-based initiatives
- Embracing partnerships and an abundance mindset to expand limited nonprofit resources
- The launch of Influenced, a U.S. program focused on digital safety and prevention for teens
Mentioned in This Episode:
- The Exodus Road: theexodusroad.com
- Influenced (digital safety & prevention education): influenced.org
- Follow Laura Parker on Instagram: @iamlauraparker
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox:
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Jena LynchIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Jena Lynch from Donorbox, a longtime sponsor and leading platform in nonprofit fundraising technology. Jena brings her unique perspective as a nonprofit thought leader and co-host of her own nonprofit podcast, sharing front-line insights from her work with organizations across the country.
Together, Rob and Jena dive into the key fundraising challenges facing nonprofit and social impact organizations as they look ahead to 2026. From shifting donor behaviors and the rise of recurring giving to the evolving role of AI, this episode is packed with practical advice, current trends, and forward-thinking strategies to help nonprofits navigate an uncertain fundraising environment with confidence and clarity.
Key Topics Include:
- Why a return to the basics—like individual giving and deep donor relationships—is the trend to watch in 2025 and beyond
- How nonprofits are adjusting to donor fatigue and declining donor counts despite rising gift amounts
- The growing impact of Millennials and Gen Z on nonprofit engagement and fundraising behaviors
- Tips for creating meaningful donor experiences and building long-term donor loyalty
- The importance of legacy giving and preparing for the generational wealth transfer
- How nonprofits are using AI practically and ethically to streamline operations and improve donor engagement
- Strategies for intentional, transparent communication that increases donor trust and involvement
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Donorbox
- Donorbox Resources & Blog
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- Donorbox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Sandy RosenthalIn this episode, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Sandy Rosenthal, the founder of Levees.org, to uncover the shocking truth behind the catastrophic flooding of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. While most people attributed the devastation to the storm itself, Sandy discovered a deeper, man-made failure at the core of the disaster—the collapse of federally designed levees. Despite having no background in engineering or advocacy, Sandy turned her personal mission for justice into a national grassroots movement that is still influencing policy and education today.
Through tireless research, community mobilization, and resilience in the face of fierce opposition, Sandy Rosenthal not only revealed the truth about what went wrong during Hurricane Katrina but also sparked a national conversation about flood protection, government accountability, and citizen advocacy. In this episode, she shares her journey, the birth of Levees.org, and why education is key to preventing future disasters.
Key Topics Include:
- The real reason behind New Orleans’ flooding during Hurricane Katrina
- Sandy’s discovery of the Army Corps of Engineers’ responsibility in levee failures
- How she overcame media silence, government opposition, and personal attacks
- The founding of Levees.org and its expansion into a national advocacy movement
- The importance of education and why engineering students should learn from failures
- How Sandy transformed personal passion into sustained national advocacy
- Practical advice for nonprofit leaders facing opposition in their own missions
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Sandy Rosenthal’s website: sandyrosenthal.net
- Levees.org
- Sandy’s book: Words Whispered in Water – Available on Amazon
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Asha VargheseIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes Asha Varghese, President of the Caterpillar Foundation. Asha shares insights into the foundation’s expansive philanthropic efforts, having invested over $1 billion into global communities since its inception in 1952. She emphasizes that this achievement is not a finish line, but a launch pad for even greater impact.
Asha discusses the foundation’s strategic focus on building resilient communities through workforce development, disaster preparedness, and sustainable infrastructure. She outlines how nonprofits can successfully align with corporate donors like Caterpillar by focusing on measurable impact, local empowerment, and long-term sustainability. This conversation is packed with practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to navigate today’s challenging fundraising landscape and create lasting social change.
Key Topics Include:
- How the Caterpillar Foundation has invested over $1 billion since 1952 to support global communities
- A three-pronged strategy: economic empowerment, infrastructure resilience, and employee engagement
- The foundation’s long-term approach to disaster response and recovery, including partnerships with the Red Cross and CDP
- Innovative workforce development initiatives such as mobile STEM labs and digital fabrication tech for students
- The impact of federal funding cuts on nonprofits and how foundations are stepping in
- Advice for nonprofit leaders on how to align with corporate foundations and submit strong funding proposals
- The importance of systemic thinking, community-driven solutions, and data-driven impact measurement
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Caterpillar Foundation:
- Learning Undefeated:
- FAB Foundation:
- Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP):
- Jobs for the Future:
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox:
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Aidan Reilly, co-founder of The Farmlink Project, a nonprofit that began as a college passion project and grew into a national food recovery movement. What started in 2020 as two friends trying to make a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic quickly evolved into a logistics powerhouse that has since delivered over 350 million pounds of food—soon to be half a billion.
Aidan shares the compelling origin story of Farmlink and how a group of students bridged the gap between farms with surplus food and food banks in desperate need. With impressive agility, grassroots organizing, and a deep sense of purpose, Farmlink has scaled nationwide and is now exploring international efforts. Aidan also discusses how Farmlink is addressing food waste, hunger, and climate change simultaneously—and how their innovative model may one day make their own work unnecessary.
Key Topics Include:
- The founding of Farmlink during the pandemic by college students looking to make an impact
- How Farmlink grew from a local food rescue effort to a national nonprofit operating in 27+ states
- The logistics of moving nearly half a billion pounds of food and partnering with over 1,200 food banks and 400 farms
- The systemic causes of food waste in the U.S. and how Farmlink is creating long-term infrastructure solutions
- How Farmlink measures and communicates its climate and hunger relief impact to donors
- The role of AI, predictive analytics, and capacity mapping in scaling nonprofit operations
- Why public-private partnerships and policy advocacy are essential to solving food insecurity at scale
Mentioned in This Episode:
- The Farmlink Project
- Abundance: The Farmlink Documentary (YouTube)
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Summary
The conversation with Aidan Reilly from the Farm Link Project explores the organization’s journey from a student-led initiative to a national movement addressing food waste and hunger. Aidan shares insights on the importance of partnerships, innovative solutions, and the impact of their work on communities and the environment. The discussion highlights the challenges faced in scaling their efforts and the vision for a sustainable food system that eliminates waste and hunger.
Quotes
“We shouldn’t, let’s try to help.”
“We rescued 50 million apples.”
“We work with all food banks.”
Chapters
00:00 The Birth of Farm Link Project
02:54 Scaling Up: Partnerships and Systems
05:48 Connecting Farms and Food Banks
08:40 Addressing Food Waste and Consumer Preferences
11:35 Measuring Impact: Hunger Relief and Climate Outcomes
19:54 Harnessing AI for Nonprofit Scalability
22:34 Eliminating Waste and Hunger: A Guiding Philosophy
26:18 Building Infrastructure for Zero Waste
29:10 Overcoming Operational Challenges in Scaling
33:58 Strategizing for Future Growth and Impact
Jeff SchreifelsAs year-end fundraising pressures mount, it’s more important than ever for nonprofits to adopt effective, donor-centered strategies. In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes Jeff Schreifels, Principal and Owner of Veritus Group—a global consulting agency focused on major and mid-level gift strategies. Jeff shares his proven insights into how organizations can build long-term sustainability by investing in relationships and shifting their fundraising mindset.Jeff introduces the concept of “permission-based asking,” a transformational approach that empowers fundraisers to confidently and authentically engage donors. He outlines how social impact leaders can create meaningful connections, adopt a holistic donor journey, and overcome common barriers within siloed fundraising structures.Key Topics Include:Why economic uncertainty requires nonprofits to double down—not cut back—on fundraising investmentThe power of relationship-centered fundraising to drive long-term revenue growthA step-by-step breakdown of the “permission ask” approach and how it changes the donor conversationHow to create donor-centered KPIs that unify departments and break down fundraising silosStrategies for building sustainable major and planned gift programs, even during crisesPractical ways to engage volunteers and staff in accountable, effective fundraising rolesThe importance of viewing donors as part of your mission—not just as sources of revenueMentioned in This Episode:Veritus Group: https://veritusgroup.com/“The Generosity Crisis” by Brian CrimminsThis Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox: https://donorbox.orgLinks to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.comFind us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube ChannelSuggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.comRequest a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.comSubscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Dr. Kurt Ver BeekIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek — longtime sociologist, adjunct professor at Calvin University, and co‑founder of the Honduran‑based nonprofit Association for a More Just Society (ASJ). Kurt has lived in Honduras for 30 + years and helps lead ASJ’s mission of advancing justice through structural reform rather than simply charity. Their discussion explores how nonprofits can transition from short‑term relief approaches to tackling systemic issues, particularly in contexts of high violence, corruption, and migration.Key Topics Include:The motivation behind founding ASJ in Honduras and shifting focus from relief to justice‑oriented work.The four‑part strategy ASJ employs: investigation, alliance building, communications, and lobbying/incidence.Real‑world examples from Honduras: tackling police corruption, reducing homicide rates, auditing government institutions.Navigating donor expectations when working on long‑term systemic change rather than immediate tangible outcomes.Insights on the migration‑to‑the‑U.S. debate: root causes in origin countries like Honduras, and how systems reform might reduce migration pressures.Reflections on international aid: what works, what doesn’t, and how U.S. federal funding cuts are reshaping NGOs’ strategies.The distinction between charity (relief), development (capacity building) and justice (systemic transformation) — and why justice work is harder, riskier, but essential.Mentioned in This Episode:ASJ Website: https://asj-us.orgBook: Call for Justice by Kurt Ver Beek & Nicholas Wolterstorff.Book: Bear Witness: The Pursuit of Justice in a Violent Land by Ross HalpernThis Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBoxLinks to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.comFind us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube ChannelSuggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.comRequest a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.comSubscribe and Share:Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or AmazonDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter reconnects with Larissa "Larz" May, founder of the nonprofit #HalfTheStory and the newly launched for-profit social enterprise Ginko. Larissa returns to the show three years after her initial appearance to share her incredible growth journey—one that has seen her organization gain the backing of influential figures like Oprah Winfrey and Melinda French Gates, and collaborate with foundations and government leaders.Born out of Larissa's personal experience with mental health struggles exacerbated by social media, #HalfTheStory is dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital wellness activists. She shares how her nonprofit has grown, the importance of storytelling, and her recent launch of Ginko, the first clinician-backed, trusted AI for families with kids ages 6-14 years old, helping parents navigate screen time, social media, and online safety with peace of mind.Key Topics Include:Larissa May’s personal story and the founding of #HalfTheStory as a response to a digital mental health crisis.The innovative use of storytelling and cultural relevance to grow a nonprofit from the ground up.How #HalfTheStory scaled through partnerships with organizations like Girls Inc. and support from major philanthropists.The launch of Ginko, the 24/7 guide for raising kids online.The evolving role of nonprofits in the AI era and the importance of integrating tech with emotional intelligence.Practical insights for nonprofit leaders on impact measurement, fundraising strategy, and maintaining a competitive edge.Larissa’s call for changing the capital flow in the nonprofit sector and her vision for supporting future social impact entrepreneurs.Mentioned in This Episode:#HalfTheStory: https://halfthestoryproject.orgGinko: https://www.heyginko.comGirls Inc.: https://girlsinc.orgThis Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBoxLinks to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.comFind us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube ChannelSuggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.comRequest a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.comSubscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Monika BauerleinIn this compelling episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with veteran journalist Monika Bauerlein, CEO of the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR), to explore whether transitioning to a nonprofit model could be the key to survival for today's embattled media organizations. With a rich background that includes leading the nonprofit news outlet Mother Jones and overseeing its merger with CIR, Monika provides unique insights into the structural challenges and opportunities within modern journalism.Monika discusses the historical context of nonprofit journalism, highlights the advantages of merging nonprofit entities, and outlines practical strategies for how social impact organizations can effectively partner with media outlets. She also dives deep into leadership lessons, fundraising tips, and the importance of storytelling in advocacy. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or simply concerned about the future of journalism, this episode delivers essential guidance and thought-provoking ideas.Key Topics Include:The origin and evolution of nonprofit journalism, including the story of Mother Jones’ early challenges with the IRSWhy more media organizations are adopting the nonprofit model in response to collapsing ad revenues and political pressuresInsights from the successful merger of Mother Jones and the Center for Investigative ReportingLeadership lessons for nonprofit CEOs, including overcoming imposter syndrome and building strong, complementary teamsStrategies for social impact organizations to work with media outlets and tell their stories more effectivelyHow the CIR is helping other nonprofits with back-end support services through its new initiative, CIR Media ServicesThe future outlook for journalism and the nonprofit model’s role in preserving investigative reportingMentioned in This Episode:Mother JonesThis Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox Helping you, help others with the best donation forms in the business.Links to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.comFind us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube ChannelSuggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.comRequest a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.comSubscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
In this insightful episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with healthcare leadership experts Kurt Mosley and Neill Marshall to explore why a leader’s first 90 days are pivotal to their long-term success. Drawing from decades of experience interviewing and placing thousands of healthcare executives, Kurt and Neill share powerful stories and actionable strategies that can benefit nonprofit leaders across all sectors.From cultural missteps to missed early wins, the guests reveal that a leader's early actions—or inactions—can define their credibility, influence, and effectiveness. They also share highlights from their popular “90-Day Series,” which provides a playbook for leaders navigating the critical first months in a new role. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and memorable anecdotes that drive home the importance of intentional leadership during transitions.Key Topics Include:-Why the first 90 days are critical for new leaders in any sector-Common pitfalls like moving too fast or misreading an organization’s culture-How listening and humility establish credibility early on-The role of symbolic actions in building trust and shaping culture-The importance of community engagement and external relationship-building-Advice for boards and search committees on supporting executive transitions-Memorable real-life stories that illustrate what to do—and what not to doMentioned in This Episode:HealthSearch PartnersConnect with Kurt Mosley and Neill Marshall on LinkedInThis Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox – Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the businessLinks to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.comFind us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube ChannelSuggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.comRequest a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.comSubscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Jill VorndranIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Jill Vorndran, Chief Development Officer at Covenant House International, to explore a transformative approach to fundraising. Jill shares her unique perspective of using fundraising not just as a revenue tool but as a powerful bridge-builder—connecting generations, perspectives, and communities around a shared mission. With more than 20 years of development experience, Jill offers practical strategies and insightful leadership lessons that nonprofit professionals can apply right away.As we head into the critical fourth quarter of the year, Jill and Rob dive into the essential components of successful year-end giving campaigns, how to retain top fundraising talent, and how to ensure every supporter has a positive, seamless giving experience. Whether you're a seasoned development officer or just starting your nonprofit journey, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples to elevate your fundraising game.Key Topics Include:How fundraising can serve as a unifying force across diverse donor groupsStrategies for supporting CEOs in fundraising through targeted preparation and stewardshipTips for donor retention and building long-term relationships through meaningful engagementBuilding a culture of celebration to retain and motivate development staffMaximizing year-end giving through monthly gifts, personalized donor calendars, and donor-friendly techThe importance of hiring smart and building a pipeline of younger fundraisers for long-term successHow to use donor data to drive accountability and refine fundraising strategyMentioned in This Episode:Jill Vorndran on LinkedInLearn more about Covenant House: covenanthouse.orgThis Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox: Helping you, help others with the best donation forms in the business.Links to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.comFind us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube ChannelSuggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.comRequest a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.comSubscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Betsy CooperIn this episode, host Rob Harter talks with Betsy Cooper of the Aspen Policy Academy / Aspen Institute about how nonprofit and social impact leaders can channel their passion for social change into tangible policy influence. They explore the balance between advocacy and legal constraints for nonprofits, the six‑step process for developing policy influence, and real examples of how ideas become implemented policy. They also dive into the skills, tools, and strategies needed to make lasting change, including how AI is beginning to intersect with civic engagement and government.
Betsy shares frameworks that help translate mission-driven ideas into practical policy proposals, stakeholder strategies, communication approaches, and implementation plans. The conversation is rich with concrete advice for practitioners who want to move beyond service to shape the rules that influence systems.
Key Topics Include:
- The six‑step policy impact process: defining, researching, solution design, stakeholder mapping, advocacy, execution
- Guardrails and legal constraints for nonprofit advocacy, and how to engage responsibly
- The role of tools like policy memos, briefs, redlined texts, and operational plans in influencing decision‑makers
- Core skills for change makers: strategy, communication, stakeholder mapping
- Integrating policy engagement into social innovation and how it often becomes the missing lever
- Examples of successful transitions from idea to policy (e.g. Aspen fellows influencing Utah’s data center water usage rules)
- Emerging intersections of AI with government, public policy, and nonprofit advocacy
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Aspen Policy Academy
- Boulder Advocacy
- Rising Civic AI Leaders
- Aspen Tech Policy Hub
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox: Helping you help others, with the best donation forms in the business.
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Edgar Sandoval Sr., President and CEO of World Vision US, during a visit to Rwanda.In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Edgar Sandoval, President and CEO of World Vision, one of the largest international humanitarian organizations in the world. With 75 years of impact across 60 countries, World Vision is now launching its most ambitious initiative yet—an effort to empower 300 million people by 2030 through access to clean water, education, livelihoods, and Christian discipleship.
Amid increasing global needs and significant U.S. funding cuts, Edgar discusses how World Vision is navigating the changing humanitarian landscape, maintaining staff motivation, and reshaping the narrative around international aid. He shares proven strategies and personal leadership lessons that are both practical and deeply inspiring for nonprofit leaders striving to create lasting change.
Key Topics Include:
- How World Vision is addressing the growing global funding gap while expanding its impact
- The “lie of futility” and how World Vision uses data and storytelling to restore hope and trust
- Details on World Vision’s new campaign to reach 300 million people by 2030
- How strategic partnerships, including with governments and local communities, drive scalability
- Practical leadership advice for managing teams during crises, including the “Believe, Belong, Become” mantra
- Why clarity of mission is the key to effective pivoting and preventing mission drift
- The role of grace, communication, and storytelling in leading through uncertainty
Mentioned in This Episode:
- World Vision:
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox: Click here for more information
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Sam FankuchenIn this compelling episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter sits down with Sam Fankuchen, the CEO and founder of Golden, a volunteer and donor engagement platform revolutionizing the way nonprofits operate. Sam shares how a deeply personal brush with tragedy on 9/11 catalyzed his mission to make volunteering more accessible and meaningful for everyone. Drawing on his extensive experience and graduate research, Sam explains how Golden helps nonprofits turn one-time volunteers into lifelong donors through cutting-edge technology, automation, and ethical AI practices.
This episode dives deep into the intersection of civic tech, volunteerism, and AI—raising the timely question: Can technology actually deepen empathy and human connection in the nonprofit space? Sam offers powerful insights into how technology can be used not to replace people, but to augment the good work nonprofits are already doing—especially in high-stakes situations like disaster relief. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, development officer, or someone curious about the future of social impact, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.
Key Topics Include:
- Sam Fankuchen’s moving personal story that led to the founding of Golden
- How Golden uses AI and analytics to convert volunteers into donors
- The importance of storytelling and human-centered design in volunteer programs
- Why disaster relief offers valuable lessons for everyday nonprofit operations
- The ethical considerations and real-world applications of AI in the nonprofit sector
- The importance of cross-sector collaboration between nonprofits, government, and private sector
- How nonprofits can adopt tech tools to reduce administrative burden and boost impact
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Golden: https://www.goldenvolunteer.com
- Golden donates $500M in Volunteer Management Software: Read here
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox: Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Jill KoskiIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter is joined by Jill Koski, President and CEO of the Morton Arboretum, a leading environmental nonprofit located just outside of Chicago. Jill shares her deeply personal and inspiring leadership journey, from her early beginnings in arts and culture to ultimately leading one of the nation’s most respected arboreta. She talks about the pivotal experiences, tough decisions, and key leadership lessons that shaped her path—including leaving her hometown to take on her first CEO role and then returning home to lead the Morton Arboretum during its centennial.
Jill also reflects on what it means to lead with passion and purpose, the importance of building sustainable systems, and why the ability to say “no” may be one of the most vital leadership skills for nonprofit executives today. Her insights are both practical and inspiring for any leader working in the nonprofit or social impact space.
Key Topics Include:
- Jill Koski’s unique journey from the arts to environmental nonprofit leadership
- Lessons learned from setbacks and “not being picked” for opportunities
- How systems, structure, and white space support long-term leadership growth
- The value of saying “no” and creating opportunities for team growth
- Balancing leadership strengths while managing areas outside your expertise
- The long-term commitment required for meaningful community engagement
- Leading an organization into its next century of impact
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Visit the Morton Arboretum: MortonArb.org
- Connect with Jill Koski on LinkedIn
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- Donorbox: Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Brian CrimminsWhen it comes to traditional giving to nonprofits, we are facing a downward trend. Today’s guest, Brian Crimmins, shares why traditional giving is declining. He also describes ways nonprofit leaders can change how they approach development and fundraising in order to turn things around.
Brian is the co-author of the book, The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Restore Humanity and Solve Our Biggest Challenge. The book explores the current state of philanthropy and how we can change course to bring about a different, more connected future that benefits us all.
Brian explains that the traditional nature of giving is under stress and explains that if it continues in this downward trajectory, this type of giving will cease to exist in only a matter of decades. Brian describes an important term from the book, “radical connection,” and why it is so important for nonprofits to build this type of connection with potential donors. He also believes in the power of collaboration between different sectors to solve the world’s problems, since no one sector can do this work alone. Brian offers advice on ways the nonprofit sector can reverse this downward decline in giving and shares why he believes the nonprofit sector is more than capable of achieving this. Finally, he shares why fundraising and building radical connections must be a responsibility of the whole organization, not just the job of the fundraising department.
Mentioned:
Connect with Brian on LinkedIn
GenerosityCrisis.com
This Four-Week Series is Sponsored By:
Find out more about all of the resources Zeffy can offer your nonprofit here.
Zeffy – The 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits.
Links to Resources:
Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/
If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page
In this episode, Rob Harter is joined by nonprofit experts Mandy Pearce and Marie Palacios from Funding for Good to explore how strategic planning and fundraising go hand in hand. They explain why your strategic plan isn’t just a leadership document—it’s the foundation for all successful fundraising efforts. As nonprofits enter the critical fourth quarter, Mandy and Marie share actionable strategies to align your board, budget, and development goals to maximize year-end giving.
Key Topics Include:
Why a consensus-driven strategic plan is the single most important resource in the nonprofit fundraising toolkit.
How aligning strategic planning, budgeting, and fundraising plans creates coherence and reduces resistance internally.
Identifying and prioritizing organizational needs, and using timelines and segmented donor strategies to drive effective fundraising.
The critical role of relationships over flashy tools—handwritten notes, donor cultivation, and personal connections matter most.
Planning ahead: why fundraising preparation should begin as early as August to set up for a successful year-end season.
The board’s role in strategic planning—from setting vision and mission to scans and implementation oversight.
How strategic planning informs leadership development, board composition, onboarding, and succession.
Instilling accountability through clear task assignment, color-coded 90-day implementation plans, and regular check-ins.
Encouraging board engagement in fundraising: starting with 100% board giving, setting clear expectations (“get or give”), and offering varied, comfortable ways for board members to contribute.
This Four-Week Series is Sponsored By:–Zeffy The 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits.
-Find out more about all of the resources Zeffy can offer your nonprofit here.
Links to Resources:-Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
-Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
-Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
-Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. In this inspiring episode, Julie shares her remarkable journey—from employee #17 with an $800,000 annual budget to leading a thriving $180 million organization. She highlights how steadfast commitment to brand, high-touch donor relationships, positive storytelling, and unwavering focus on mission fueled exponential growth and deep community connection.
Julie dives into the power of personal touches—thank‑you phone calls and handwritten notes, even today—and how authenticity and consistency, paired with a clear, optimistic brand narrative, have built a movement. She also discusses the importance of hiring for cultural fit, nurturing internal talent, and staying laser‑focused on a singular mission.
Key Topics Include: The transformative impact of high‑touch, personal donor interactions—calling and thanking every donor, no matter the gift size. * Why positive, uplifting storytelling resonates more than negative appeals and how Best Friends built its brand around hope and joy. * The strategic value of crafting your own branded content (like an in‑house magazine), vs. outsourcing. * How best practices and generous sharing of knowledge built Best Friends into a national, mission‑driven leader. * Hiring for chemistry and cultural alignment over pedigree, and investing in internal growth. * Staying mission‑centric—choosing what not* to do and focusing relentlessly on an impactful, singular goal. * The enduring strength of an individual, compelling story in fundraising and community building.
Mentioned in This Episode:* Best Friends Animal Society website: bestfriends.org * The concept of “no‑kill” movement and organizational transformation * High‑touch donor practices (handwritten letters, phone calls) * Best Friends’ in‑house magazine—exclusive storytelling resource shared with supporters * Importance of positivity in branding versus traditional guilt‑based messaging * Active use of storytelling frameworks like the hero’s journey * Donor segmentation—print magazine for longtime supporters, digital for broader audiences * Volunteer correspondence team for personalized responses * Social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram) for community engagement
This Four-Week Series is Sponsored By:* Zeffy – The 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits. * Find out more about all of the resources Zeffy can offer your nonprofit here.
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share:
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Seb BoyerIn this kickoff to a special four-week fundraising series, host Rob Harter welcomes Seb Boyer, President of Zeffy, a 100% free fundraising platform built for nonprofits. Seb, a former tech entrepreneur and AI startup founder, shares his insights into why Zeffy was created, how it sustains a completely free model, and what the latest fundraising data reveals about giving trends across the nonprofit sector.
Rob and Seb dive into Zeffy’s recent benchmark reports, including findings on seasonal giving patterns and recurring donor behaviors. Seb explains why fall is the prime giving season, how different sectors experience unique donation trends, and why retaining recurring donors is both a challenge and a major opportunity. This data-driven episode equips nonprofit leaders with actionable strategies to elevate their year-end campaigns and rethink donor engagement through the lens of smart data.
Key Topics Include:
- How Zeffy operates as a truly free platform with no fees for nonprofits
- Insights from Zeffy’s benchmark report on seasonal giving trends
- Why fall is the most active fundraising season—and how to prepare now
- Differences in donor patterns across nonprofit sectors
- Surprising data on recurring donor retention and drop-off rates
- How nonprofits can use data to guide smarter fundraising decisions
- The importance of using simple, integrated tech tools for donor engagement
Mentioned in This Episode And More Resources:
- Zeffy
- Benchmark Study
- Seasonal Giving Trends Data
- Contact Seb Boyer: sebastien@zeffy.com
This Four-Week Series is Sponsored By:
- Zeffy – The 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits: https://zeffy.com
- Check out more information here to sign up
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Brittan StockertIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter is joined by Brittan Stockert, a seasoned fundraising coach at DonorBox with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and social impact sector. As nonprofit leaders brace for the critical year-end giving season, Brittan provides an encouraging, realistic, and highly practical guide to making the most of it—without adding to your burnout.
From revitalizing donation forms to simplifying your follow-up communications, Brittan shares smart, actionable strategies that can significantly boost donor engagement and retention. With a strong emphasis on simplicity, authenticity, and relationship-building, this episode is filled with ideas that will help you elevate your year-end giving campaign—whether you’re a one-person shop or part of a larger team.
Key Topics Include:
- Why now is the perfect time to start planning your year-end giving campaign
- How donation forms can be powerful relationship builders—and how to optimize yours
- Three easy tweaks to turn one-time donors into long-term supporters
- Simple, low-lift follow-up strategies that build donor trust and engagement
- Why you might want to skip Giving Tuesday this year—and what to do instead
- How to authentically engage top donors in your year-end campaign
- Using clear data and donor feedback to pivot your strategy effectively
Mentioned in This Episode:
- DonorBox
- DonorBox Podcast Resources: https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/nonprofit-podcasts
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Alex AmouyelIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Alex Amouyel, President and CEO of the Newman’s Own Foundation, to explore how nonprofits can more effectively approach foundations for funding. With billions in grant requests competing for limited dollars, Alex shares candid insights into what makes a funding request compelling—and how nonprofits can align their proposals with a foundation’s mission.
Alex also discusses the unique “100% for Purpose” business model behind Newman’s Own, which donates 100% of profits to support children facing adversity. She reflects on her own leadership journey, the shifting philanthropic landscape, and how nonprofits can navigate funding challenges in a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re an executive director, development professional, or board member, this conversation offers practical strategies for building stronger relationships with funders.
Key Topics Include:
- The origin and mission of the Newman’s Own Foundation and its 100% profits-to-charity model
- How the “100% for Purpose Club” inspires other companies to commit all profits to social good
- Real-world examples of impact in children’s camps and food justice initiatives
- Essential leadership traits for navigating change in the nonprofit sector
- The importance of aligning grant requests with a foundation’s specific mission and needs
- Current trends in philanthropy, including collaborative funding and youth-led decision-making
- Practical advice for approaching and building relationships with foundations
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Newman’s Own Foundation
- 100% for Purpose Club
- SeriousFun Children’s Network
- FoodCorps
- Indigenous Tomorrows Fund
- Mosaic Film Experience
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox – Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Adam BoddisonIn this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Adam Boddison, CEO of the Association for Project Management and Managing Director at Grant Genie, to explore how nonprofit leaders can effectively harness artificial intelligence for strategic impact. Rather than focusing solely on how AI is transforming the nonprofit sector, this conversation delves deeper into leadership—asking how leaders can use AI responsibly and intentionally for good.
Adam shares practical insights from his extensive experience in both education and the charitable sector, offering a balanced view of the risks and opportunities posed by AI. From debunking myths around job displacement and bias to advocating for a test-and-learn culture and data-driven decision-making, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for leaders navigating digital transformation. Whether you’re AI-curious or leading a tech-forward nonprofit, this conversation will offer you valuable direction on using technology to enhance your mission.
Key Topics Include:
- How AI is currently being used by nonprofit leaders for fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and risk management
- Common misconceptions about AI and how to address fear and resistance among staff and stakeholders
- Why digital fluency and emotional intelligence are key leadership traits in an AI-driven world
- Practical ways to adopt AI through agile and test-and-learn strategies
- The leadership paradoxes and burnout challenges nonprofit leaders face in today’s fast-changing world
- Environmental sustainability concerns linked to AI and how to factor them into decision-making
- The role of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in shaping the future of nonprofit work
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Adam Boddison on LinkedIn: Adam Boddison
- Grant Genie: www.grant-genie.ai
- Association for Project Management: www.apm.org.uk
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Alexx Goeller, CEO of Waste Less Solutions, a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and reducing food waste. With a deep-rooted passion for social impact and a strong background in leadership, Alexx shares how she has developed effective systems and patterns to scale impact, stay focused on core objectives, and navigate the unique challenges of nonprofit leadership.
Alexx discusses her transition into her new role, the importance of saying “no” to avoid mission creep, and how she builds structure and accountability into her leadership style. From her Peace Corps experience to current strategies for deepening community partnerships and advocating for more flexible funding, Alexx offers valuable lessons for leaders in any nonprofit space.
Key Topics Include:
- The power of patterns and routines over passion in nonprofit leadership
- How to stay mission-focused and say “no” to initiatives that don’t align
- Building systems of accountability that tie everyday tasks to strategic goals
- The importance of delegating, vulnerability, and utilizing board strengths
- Realities and emotional challenges of nonprofit fundraising
- Building collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships with food donors
- Advice for those entering the nonprofit sector and embracing broad passions
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Waste Less Solutions: https://wastelesssolutions.org
- Follow Waste Less Solutions on Instagram: @waste_less_solutions
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Kelly KienzleIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter welcomes executive and leadership coach Kelly Kienzle to explore the mounting uncertainty facing nonprofit leaders and how it’s affecting their confidence and decision-making. Kelly recently conducted in-depth interviews with over 40 leaders across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, revealing troubling trends in burnout, reactivity, and a widespread crisis of confidence.
Kelly discusses how shifting funding landscapes, political change, and societal shifts have left many nonprofit leaders unsure about their organization’s direction and mission. She shares her top three leadership challenges identified in the research and offers practical, actionable tools to help nonprofit executives regain clarity and lead with renewed confidence. This episode is a must-listen for any nonprofit leader feeling the weight of today’s volatile environment.
Key Topics Include:
- The top three leadership challenges facing nonprofit leaders today
- Why traditional leadership approaches may no longer be effective
- The link between uncertainty, burnout, and crisis of confidence
- The concept of “chaos values” and how they guide leaders through ambiguity
- Tools for gaining perspective and clarity, including the “balcony view”
- The “magic delegation question” to reduce burnout and empower teams
- Practical strategies leaders can implement immediately
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Kelly Kienzle’s website: OpenCircleCoaching.com
- Email Kelly: kelly@opencirclecoaching.com
- Chaos Values Assessment: TrueValues
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Bob SearleIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter dives into a transformative discussion with Bob Searle of The Bridgespan Group. Bob shares compelling insights from Bridgespan’s “Leading for Impact” program, which involved nearly 300 nonprofit executive leaders. Together, they explore why team development is just as critical—if not more so—than individual leadership growth in today’s nonprofit sector.
Bob outlines the unique advantages of cultivating an executive team that works in unison, backed by Bridgespan’s extensive data and practical tools. He also unpacks common pitfalls nonprofit leaders face, like miscommunication and lack of strategic clarity, and offers actionable strategies to overcome them. This episode is packed with lessons for anyone in nonprofit leadership aiming to boost organizational effectiveness through better team dynamics.
Key Topics Include:
- The distinct benefits of team-based leadership development over individual development
- Data-backed insights from Bridgespan’s “Leading for Impact” program involving 299 nonprofit leaders
- Why strategic clarity and team alignment are foundational to nonprofit success
- The dangers of poor communication within executive teams—and simple steps to fix it
- How scenario planning can safeguard your nonprofit against future uncertainties
- Essential leadership traits for executive directors to foster high-performing teams
- Techniques for continuously building leadership capacity aligned with organizational goals
Mentioned in This Episode:
- The Bridgespan Group
- Article about the results from their survey
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
William VanderbloemenRob interviews William Vanderbloemen who shares his experience about starting a cause-based search firm. His firm emphasizes the need for nonprofits to prioritize soft skills when recruiting new staff. He also highlights the significance of clearly articulating the organization’s mission and values to attract the right talent. Additionally, Vanderbloemen emphasizes the role of a healthy organizational culture in recruitment and retention, and suggests using tools like theculturetool.com to assess and improve culture. In this conversation, Rob and William discuss the importance of organizational culture and employee satisfaction in the nonprofit sector. They explore the eight cultural values that shape behavior within an organization and how to assess and improve culture. They also discuss the impact of culture on employee retention and the need for organizations to adapt to the changing expectations of millennials and Gen Z. The conversation highlights the value of feedback and collaboration in creating a positive culture, as well as the importance of balancing professional development with organizational efficiency.
Takeaways: Recruiting the right people at the right time is crucial for staff retention in nonprofits. Soft skills, or human-to-human skills, are essential for success in the nonprofit sector. Nonprofits should clearly articulate their mission and values to attract the right talent. A healthy organizational culture is key to recruitment and retention in nonprofits. Assessing and improving organizational culture is crucial for nonprofit organizations to create a healthy and effective work environment. Understanding the cultural values that shape behavior within an organization can help identify areas for improvement. Employee satisfaction and well-being are key factors in retaining staff, especially in a generation that values career mobility. Involving staff in the decision-making process and addressing their feedback can lead to a more engaged and committed workforce. Balancing professional development with organizational efficiency requires identifying the right timing and opportunities for growth.
Quotes:* “Businesses may or may not have a value that drives them. Why do they have a better solution for staffing than the people who are living for a cause?” * “Soft skills, H2H skills, are the ball game in nonprofit.” * “The ones that succeed are the ones that say, ‘Here’s the one thing we do that very few people do.’” * “We’re all the same age or skin color or gender, but we are all the same in our behavior around our eight cultural values.” * “What is the biggest rock that we’re getting right of these eight areas? What are we just really doing well?” * “If you focus so much on your culture that you could get six or seven years instead of four or five, because the cost to replace a staff person, it takes time, it takes energy, you lose momentum, it takes money.”
FromTheArchives
Chapters:* 00:00 Introduction and Background * 03:01 Recruitment and Retention in the Nonprofit Sector * 06:16 The Importance of Soft Skills in Nonprofits * 11:56 Articulating Mission and Values to Attract Talent * 15:22 The Role of Organizational Culture in Recruitment and Retention * 17:33 Assessing and Improving Culture * 19:36 The Impact of Culture on Employee Retention * 22:40 Addressing Employee Satisfaction * 27:12 Adapting to the Expectations of Millennials and Gen Z * 29:45 Creating a Feedback-Driven Culture * 31:45 Balancing Workload and Professional Development
Cindy WagmanIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter dives into the evolving staffing models within the nonprofit sector, spotlighting the rise of fractional executives. Our guest, Cindy Wagman, a seasoned fundraiser and author of the bestselling book Raise It, joins Rob to unpack what it means to hire a fractional leader and why more nonprofits are exploring this innovative approach. Cindy is also the host of two podcasts, Confessions with Jess and Cindy and Fracture, a private podcast for nonprofit fractional executives.
Cindy shares her journey from traditional consulting to pioneering the fractional executive model for nonprofits, illustrating how this model offers both strategic insight and hands-on implementation. Designed especially for small to mid-sized nonprofits, fractional executives offer expert-level leadership without the cost of a full-time hire. Whether you’re seeking support in fundraising, HR, marketing, or operations, Cindy breaks down the benefits, key indicators of readiness, and steps for integrating a fractional executive into your team.
Key Topics Include:
- What a fractional executive is and how it differs from consultants and full-time staff
- Ideal nonprofit profiles that benefit most from fractional leadership
- Common roles filled by fractional executives, including fundraising, HR, and operations
- How to integrate a fractional leader into your nonprofit’s team and culture
- Key considerations for those interested in becoming a nonprofit fractional executive
- Emerging trends and increasing demand for fractional leadership in the nonprofit sector
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Cindy Wagman’s Website & Directory: Nonprofit Fractionals
- Cindy’s Private Podcast for Fractional Execs: Fracture
- Cindy Wagman on LinkedIn: Connect with Cindy
- Book: Raise It by Cindy Wagman
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox – Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Ben SandIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter sits down with Ben Sand, CEO of The Contingent, a nonprofit that’s revolutionizing the foster care system through innovative applications of data and technology. With a heart for foster children and firsthand experience as a foster parent, Ben shares how his organization is tackling the critical shortage of foster homes across the U.S. by leveraging targeted outreach and AI-driven solutions. The Contingent’s signature initiative, Every Child, began in Oregon and has expanded nationally, offering a powerful model of how community engagement and smart tech can solve complex social challenges.
Ben dives deep into how The Contingent uses research, data analysis, and digital marketing to identify and mobilize prospective foster families. Their work in states like Oregon, Arkansas, and Tennessee showcases the importance of culturally relevant messaging and region-specific strategies. If you’re a nonprofit leader wondering how to integrate tech into your mission-driven work, this episode is packed with insights and actionable strategies.
Key Topics Include:
- The nationwide foster care crisis and the urgent need for targeted foster family recruitment
- The origin and evolution of the Every Child Initiative
- How data, AI, and digital marketing are used to find and engage potential foster parents
- The importance of cultural context when expanding nonprofit programs nationally
- Strategies for scaling nonprofit tech solutions and preparing for the AI revolution
- Key leadership principles including adaptive leadership and using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)
- Advice for nonprofit leaders on how to communicate ROI and innovate at scale
Mentioned in This Episode:
- The Contingent
- Leadership on the Line Book
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox – The best donation forms and fundraising platform for nonprofits.
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Vedika BhandarkarSafe water. While most of us have access to it, there are millions across the world who do not. There are approximately 700 million people, all over the world, who do not have access to safe water or sanitation. Rob’s guest, Vedika Bhandarkar, describes a unique and effective strategy for getting more clean water to those in need.
Vedika is the Chief Operating Officer at Water.org. This global nonprofit organization works to bring safe water and sanitation to the world through affordable financing, such as small loans.
Vedika describes how co-founders Matt Damon and Gary White started Water.org. She explains that the organization is focused on helping those in need get access to affordable capital to pay for safe water systems. Vedika describes the negative impact of not having enough safe water, on an individual scale as well as on the global scale. She explains why a lack of financing plays such a crucial role in this issue, and how Water.org has increased their efforts in this area. In the last four years, Water.org has scaled from helping 16 million people worldwide, to now reaching 60 million people. Vedika shares exactly what the organization did to scale so fast, in such a short span of time. Finally, she reminds us of the worldwide benefits if more people had access to safe water, and believes this issue is solvable in our lifetime.
FromTheArchives
Website:
https://water.org/ This Episode is sponsored by:
Donorbox
Links to Resources:
Want to work with a leadership and life coach, check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/
If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page
Rabbi Joanna SamuelsIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Rabbi Joanna Samuels, CEO and President of the Marlene Meyerson JCC in Manhattan, the largest Jewish Community Center in the United States. Rabbi Samuels discusses her leadership philosophy, rooted deeply in faith and optimism, and how the JCC builds community through programs that span every age and stage of life. She explains why friendship and community are the true “products” her organization delivers and how these relational values drive their mission.
Rabbi Samuels shares how she navigated major challenges, including leading through the COVID-19 pandemic and the profound impact of October 7th on the Jewish community. She offers honest reflections on the resilience required in leadership and how being both kind and bossy—a description offered by her own child—has helped her succeed. This episode is a powerful reminder of the essential human need for connection, belonging, and the role of nonprofits in fulfilling that need.
Key Topics Include:
- Why relationships and friendship are central to the mission of the JCC
- The impact of faith on leadership decisions and vision
- How to be an inclusive and responsive nonprofit for a diverse community
- Leadership lessons from navigating COVID-19 and the events of October 7th
- The value of listening and decisiveness in nonprofit leadership
- Gender and faith identity as strengths in executive leadership
- How community centers can remain relevant and essential amid societal crises
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
What does it take to become a successful fundraiser in today’s competitive nonprofit environment? In this episode, Haley Cooper, fundraising expert and host of the Lead with Heart podcast, shares key strategies for becoming a savvy fundraiser. Haley discusses the most pressing challenges nonprofit leaders face, such as staff turnover and donor retention, and how to build sustainable fundraising models. She highlights the importance of recurring giving programs and personalized donor communication in boosting engagement.
Rob’s guest, Haley Cooper, explains how different generations approach philanthropy and how nonprofits can tailor their messaging to align with donor values. She emphasizes the need for engaging storytelling to connect emotionally with donors and offers tips on leveraging social media effectively. She stresses that nonprofits should focus on creating compelling, interactive content, as well as the importance of actively engaging with followers by responding to comments, sending personalized messages, and collaborating with influencers.
Throughout the episode, Haley offers practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their fundraising strategies and keep donors engaged in the digital age.
Mentioned:
Haley Cooper’s website
Lead with Heart Podcast
Connect with Haley on LinkedIn
This Episode is Sponsored By:
Links to Resources:
Want to work with a leadership and life coach? Check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/
You can now find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nonprofitleadershippodcast7679
If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
If you would like a sample coaching session, email rob@robharter.com
Summary
In this conversation, Rob Harter and Haley Cooper discuss the current challenges and strategies in nonprofit fundraising. They explore the importance of staff retention, effective communication with donors, the rise of subscription-based giving, and the generational differences in donor engagement. Haley emphasizes the need for nonprofits to leverage social media effectively, build authentic relationships, and adapt their fundraising strategies to meet the evolving landscape. The discussion concludes with resources for nonprofits to enhance their fundraising efforts.
Takeaways
Finding quality staff is a significant challenge for nonprofits.
High turnover rates can lead to increased fundraising costs.
Understanding donor communication preferences is crucial.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for donor engagement.
Subscription-based giving is becoming more popular among younger generations.
Generational differences affect how donors engage with nonprofits.
Nonprofits should focus on one or two social media platforms.
Engagement on social media is more valuable than likes.
Investing in technology can streamline fundraising efforts.
Transparency and accountability are essential for donor trust.
*#FromTheArchives*
Sophie BlondeauIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter is joined by Sophie Blondeau, Partner/ Chief Strategy Officer of the Sowen Group, to explore how nonprofit leaders can better manage their time and organizational efforts by using strategic data. Sophie shares insights from a groundbreaking research study on data maturity across the social impact sector. With a focus on how nonprofits can transition from being data-aware to becoming insight-driven, she explains why data isn’t just a boardroom buzzword but a critical tool for leadership, fundraising, storytelling, and ultimately, impact.
Sophie and Rob dive into how strategic time management and data utilization can mitigate the overwhelming load many nonprofit leaders face. They discuss key barriers to data adoption, including limited resources and organizational silos, and offer practical strategies to overcome them. Whether you’re a nonprofit executive, program manager, or board member, this episode offers actionable insights to elevate your organization’s effectiveness and impact.
Key Topics Include:
- The importance of focusing time on strategically meaningful work to drive nonprofit success
- Key findings from Sowen Group’s cross-sector study on data maturity
- Why only 29.5% of organizations effectively use data for decision-making
- How data maturity influences storytelling, funding, and program outcomes
- The significance of bridging the disconnect between executive leadership and frontline staff
- Practical steps to enhance data utilization, including a free Data Accelerator tool
- Insights on incorporating AI and anticipating future trends in the nonprofit sector
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Sowen Group:https://sowen.co
- Sowen Group’s Data Accelerator Tool: https://sowen.co/accelerator
- Sophie Blondeau on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophieblondeau/
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox: https://donorbox.org/?ref=nmu4ndh
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Youtube or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Dave GarrisonIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter is joined by leadership coach and author Dave Garrison to explore a growing and critical issue in today’s workplace: the buy-in crisis. Drawing from his latest book, The Buy-In Advantage: Why Employees Stop Caring and How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Give Their All, Dave offers practical insights into why staff disengagement is on the rise, and how nonprofit leaders can address it with real, lasting solutions.
With a wealth of experience consulting with both nonprofit and for-profit organizations around the world, Dave breaks down the hidden costs of disengaged employees, why traditional perks are no longer effective, and how to diagnose and resolve buy-in issues within your team. This episode is packed with real-world strategies to transform turnover challenges into opportunities for organizational growth and innovation.
Key Topics Include:
- What the buy-in crisis is and why it has become so prevalent, especially post-COVID
- Generational shifts and evolving employee expectations that impact engagement
- Key warning signs of buy-in problems, such as high turnover and unproductive meetings
- The true (often hidden) financial and operational costs of employee disengagement
- How to use assessment tools and employee feedback to uncover systemic issues
- Actionable strategies for building trust, ownership, and high performance within teams
- Real-life examples of leaders who turned disengagement into innovation
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Dave Garrison’s book: The Buy-In Advantage
- Dave Garrison’s consulting work: Garrison Growth
- Connect with Dave Garrison on LinkedIn
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox: Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Tim CoetzeeIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes Tim Coetzee, CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, to discuss the inspiring journey of the organization from a simple newspaper ad in 1945 to a nationwide movement transforming lives today. Tim shares the riveting origin story of the MS Society, which began with Sylvia Lawry’s determined quest to help her brother and has since grown into a global leader in MS research and advocacy.
Tim also delves into the advancements in MS treatment and research, the Society’s critical partnerships, and his own leadership journey shaped by impactful mentorship. His perspective on leading with curiosity over certainty offers a refreshing and actionable insight for nonprofit leaders everywhere.
Key Topics Include:
- The compelling origin story of the MS Society and founder Sylvia Lawry’s relentless advocacy
- Current advancements in MS treatments and promising new research directions
- How the MS Society partners with caregivers, researchers, and other nonprofits for maximum impact
- The importance of humility and collaboration in nonprofit leadership
- Tim’s mentorship experience with former CEO Joyce Nelson and its influence on his leadership style
- Strategies for balancing visionary leadership with coaching and accountability
- Embracing a “learn-it-all” mindset over being a “know-it-all” in leadership roles
Mentioned in This Episode:
- National MS Society: https://www.nationalmssociety.org
- Tim Coetzee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcoetzee/
- Adam Grant’s book Hidden Potential: https://www.adamgrant.net/book/hidden-potential/
- Satya Nadella’s leadership approach: https://news.microsoft.com/exec/satya-nadella/
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox – Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business:
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Vanessa LockshinIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter welcomes storytelling expert Vanessa Chase Lockshin, founder of The Storytelling Non-Profit and author of The Storytelling Non-Profit. Vanessa shares her extensive experience helping organizations craft emotionally resonant, authentic stories that drive fundraising success and donor engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned nonprofit professional or just starting out, this conversation is packed with practical tips on how to build your organization’s narrative strategy and share stories in a way that deeply connects with your audience.
Vanessa walks through the core elements of powerful storytelling, how to maintain authenticity, create meaningful donor calls-to-action, and why story planning is crucial to long-term communications success. The episode also covers balancing trauma-informed storytelling with impact, the role of conflict in narratives, and how to adapt stories for various platforms from email to Instagram reels.
Key Topics Include:
- What differentiates a true story from a testimonial or summary
- How to hook your audience with emotional and engaging storytelling elements
- Techniques for building authentic, trauma-informed stories that maintain dignity
- Crafting calls-to-action that are clear, tangible, and drive donations
- Planning an annual storytelling strategy aligned with your organization’s goals
- When and how to reuse stories effectively across platforms and over time
- Leveraging short-form video and AI tools for engaging social media storytelling
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Vanessa Chase Lockshin’s website: The Storytelling Non-Profit
- Vanessa’s book: The Storytelling Non-Profit on Amazon
- AI video tool: Arbor – for creating nonprofit-focused short-form videos
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox – Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon Music. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Dan TocchiniIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Dan Tocchini, a seasoned nonprofit leader, coach, and founder who describes leadership as a “sacred experience.” With over 25 years of experience leading and coaching, Dan offers a fresh, principle-based approach to transforming teams, navigating conflict, and creating cultures of courageous leadership. Dan also shares powerful personal stories of leadership failure, resilience, and the importance of authenticity in professional growth.
Listeners will gain insights into how to hold difficult conversations, build trust through creative conflict resolution, and align leadership with deeper purpose and service. Dan’s unique framework for tackling team dynamics and his emphasis on transparency offer valuable strategies for nonprofit leaders facing internal and external challenges.
Key Topics Include:
- Why leadership is a “sacred experience” and how that shapes leadership impact
- How to transform teams without relying on “pixie dust” motivational tactics
- A framework for navigating difficult conversations with courage and clarity
- The power of identifying complaints as signals of unresolved issues
- Strategies for resolving creative conflict and building trust within teams
- The importance of aligning intuition with data in decision-making
- How nonprofit leaders can shift toxic cultures through transparency and dialogue
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Take New Ground: TakeNewGround.com
- Free eBook “The Change Imperative” by Dan Tocchini: Download here
- Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: Dan Tocchini LinkedIn
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox: Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business.
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Anthony Kennedy ShriverIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter is joined by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, founder, chairman, and CEO of Best Buddies International. Anthony shares the inspiring origin story of Best Buddies, which began as a college initiative and has grown into a global nonprofit that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With an emphasis on job creation, inclusive housing, and meaningful friendships, Anthony discusses how his organization is transforming lives around the world—while also building sustainable, long-term partnerships with major corporations.
Anthony also talks about the enduring legacy of public service within his family, how Best Buddies has successfully collaborated with companies like Jersey Mike’s, Coca-Cola, and TJX, and how the organization has leveraged the support of ambassadors like Tom Brady to raise awareness and drive impact. From launching new initiatives like Eunice’s Buddies and Bumble Buddies to opening inclusive living centers, Anthony gives a candid look at what it takes to run a successful global nonprofit for over 35 years.
Key Topics Include:
- The legacy of service in the Kennedy-Shriver family and its impact on Anthony’s mission
- The evolution of Best Buddies from a college project to an international nonprofit
- Creating jobs for individuals with IDD and forming long-term corporate partnerships
- Measuring economic impact by transitioning individuals from government support to tax-paying citizens
- The power of celebrity ambassadors and how to create mutually beneficial relationships
- Future growth plans, including expansion to 100 countries and launching new programs like Bumble Buddies
- The importance of running a nonprofit like a business for long-term sustainability
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Best Buddies International: https://www.bestbuddies.org
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- Donorbox: Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business. https://donorbox.org/?ref=nmu4ndh
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/72asKZ21pS2RG8Cn0puXWl), or Amazon (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4dabd6e2-75da-425b-a51f-43a318b29ce2/nonprofit-leadership-podcast). Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Bob Bush, co-founder of Mutombo CoffeeIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Bob Bush, co-founder of Mutombo Coffee. Bob shares the inspiring story behind the social enterprise he helped build with the late NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo. Although Mutombo Coffee is a for-profit company, Bob explains how its mission-driven approach offers powerful lessons for nonprofit leaders. Throughout the conversation, Bob dives into topics like resilience, values-driven leadership, and sustainable growth—all crucial themes for anyone looking to make a positive impact, whether in the nonprofit or for-profit world.
Bob offers insight into how Mutombo Coffee navigated the immense challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and Dikembe’s passing, highlighting strategies nonprofit leaders can apply to build resilience and align mission with operations. His passion for social impact and building long-term strategies shines through, making this episode a must-listen for nonprofit and social enterprise leaders alike.
Key Topics Include:
- How long-term thinking can drive sustainable impact for nonprofits and social enterprises
- The critical difference between being value-driven vs. values-driven
- Innovative strategies Mutombo Coffee used to survive the pandemic and build resilience
- Why investing in intellectual, relational, and emotional capital is often more important than financial capital
- How to manage risk and uncertainty with strategic preparation and thoughtful leadership
- Tools nonprofit leaders can use to align their values, leadership style, and business models
- Practical tips for building resilient nonprofit organizations and social enterprises
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Mutombo Coffee
- Use code LEADERSHIP25 for 25% off your Mutombo Coffee order!
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox — Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Debbie LevinIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter talks with Debbie Levin, CEO of the Environmental Media Association (EMA). Debbie shares her incredible journey of leading EMA for over 25 years, rebuilding the organization from the ground up, and strategically using the influence of Hollywood to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. From initiating the Prius phenomenon to revolutionizing behind-the-scenes practices in the entertainment industry, Debbie discusses how EMA’s creative, solution-based approach has inspired change on a cultural and corporate level.
Tune in to hear how Debbie’s innovative strategies, deep industry connections, and authentic leadership style have kept EMA at the forefront of environmental advocacy — and what lessons nonprofit leaders can take away to drive change in their own communities.
Key Topics Include:
- How Debbie transformed EMA by bridging Hollywood and sustainability
- The strategy behind turning the Prius into a status symbol for celebrities
- How EMA created the “Emma Green Seal” to promote eco-friendly film and TV production
- Why solution-based, nonjudgmental messaging wins supporters across political lines
- The role of celebrity influence in shaping public perception on environmental issues
- How EMA has built long-lasting partnerships with studios, agencies, and corporations
- Leadership principles for staying innovative, relevant, and impactful over decades
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Environmental Media Association website: green4ema.org
- Follow EMA on social media: @Green4EMA
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox, helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
David RhodeIn this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with David Rhode, author of Passion Isn’t Enough. Together, they dive into the realities of nonprofit leadership and why passion alone can’t sustain an organization. David shares insights from his book on how strategic planning, strong branding, effective fundraising, and financial management are essential for building a thriving nonprofit. If you’re passionate about your mission but looking for practical ways to make a bigger impact, this episode is packed with advice you can implement today.
David also explores how nonprofit leaders can strengthen partnerships, avoid mission drift, and build evidence-based programs. His real-world experience and actionable strategies provide an invaluable guide for anyone who wants to lead a sustainable and impactful nonprofit organization.
Key Topics Include:
- Why strategic planning requires both discipline and inclusion
- How nonprofit branding starts with your people, not just your logo
- The importance of focusing on individual giving for fundraising success
- How to create valuable, sustainable partnerships that aren’t just transactional
- Why financial controls and cash flow management are critical for stability
- How to stay true to your mission and avoid programmatic mission drift
- The role of measurement and evaluation in proving your nonprofit’s impact
Mentioned in This Episode:
- David Rhode on LinkedIn
- Passion Isn’t Enough on Amazon
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox – Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business.
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at: nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
David RobbinsIn this episode Rob sits down with David Robbins, President of Cru, a global nonprofit with staff in over 190 countries. David shares his leadership journey and dives into the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a multigenerational organization. With team members spanning five generations, David offers valuable strategies for fostering unity, avoiding mission drift, and empowering younger leaders in a rapidly changing world.
From his time in Italy and New York to leading major nonprofit divisions, David reflects on the personal and professional experiences that have shaped his leadership philosophy. He emphasizes emotional health, vulnerability, and intentional development of younger leaders as critical components to successful nonprofit leadership.
Key Topics Include:
- Strategies for leading an organization with five generations on staff
- Avoiding mission drift during leadership transitions
- The importance of emotional and spiritual health in leadership
- Building trust with a global team during a leadership change
- Empowering younger generations through stretch challenges
- Navigating generational gaps with compassion and shared understanding
- Practical rhythms and habits to prevent leadership burnout
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Cru: https://www.cru.org
- Book: Courage and Calling by Gordon T. Smith
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Yoon ChoiIn this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Yoon Choi, CEO of CollegeSpring, a nonprofit organization committed to providing equitable access to college readiness resources for students impacted by poverty. With over two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Yoon shares how CollegeSpring is revolutionizing test preparation and college readiness by focusing on foundational skills, resilience, and goal setting.
Yoon also offers a candid look at the evolving role of standardized testing in higher education, the myths surrounding “test-optional” admissions, and the importance of collaboration and partnerships in sustaining nonprofit impact. Her insights are a masterclass for nonprofit leaders navigating the post-COVID landscape, especially those seeking scalable and sustainable solutions.
Key Topics Include:
- Why standardized tests still matter in college and career readiness
- How CollegeSpring builds student confidence and long-term success
- Merging mission with strategy: Yoon’s take on nonprofit partnerships and M&A
- The challenge of nonprofit scaling and how to overcome financial and operational barriers
- Embedding programs into school systems for lasting impact
- The evolving debate over the value of college degrees
- Advice for young nonprofit professionals eager to grow as leaders
Mentioned in This Episode:
- CollegeSpring: https://collegespring.org
- Connect with Yoon Choi on LinkedIn: Yoon Choi LinkedIn
This Episode is Sponsored By:
- DonorBox: Helping you help others with the best donation forms in the business
Links to Resources:
- Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
- Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
- Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
- Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Leah KralInnovation and nonprofits don’t always seem like a natural fit—but they should be. In this episode, Rob Harter talks with Leah Kral, author of Innovation for Social Change, about how nonprofit leaders can infuse creativity and innovation into their organizations. Leah shares her insights on overcoming common barriers to innovation, fostering a culture of creativity, and building sustainable systems that support new ideas.
Key topics include:
-Why innovation is often overlooked in the nonprofit sector
-How Leah’s experiences in the Peace Corps shaped her passion for nonprofit strategy
-Practical ways nonprofits can embed innovation into their organizational DNA
-The six principles of social change innovation
-The importance of empowering frontline staff to bring forward new ideas
-Lessons nonprofits can learn from organizations like Pixar and Mayo Clinic
-How to embrace experimentation and learn from failure
Leah also shares inspiring examples of nonprofits that are leading the way in innovation and offers actionable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to step up their creativity.
Mentioned in This Episode:Leah Kral’s Website – Learn more about Leah and download her book club discussion guide
Innovation for Social Change – Leah Kral’s book on nonprofit innovation
World Reader – Using digital books to promote literacy worldwide
This Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:*Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
*Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
*Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
*Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Rob Harter is joined by Peter Laugharn, President and CEO of the Hilton Foundation, to discuss how the foundation is tackling homelessness in Los Angeles. The Hilton Foundation has invested millions into addressing this crisis, working closely with government agencies, nonprofit partners, and individuals who have firsthand experience with homelessness.
Topics include:
-The history and mission of the Hilton Foundation
-Why LA is home to 20-25% of the nation’s unsheltered population
-How the foundation strategically allocates funding to maximize impact
-The importance of government collaboration in solving homelessness
-Lessons learned from other cities, including Houston and Salt Lake City
-The role of lived experience in shaping effective solutions
-How Measure A will provide sustainable funding for homelessness solutions
Peter also shares insights on how philanthropy can be a high-leverage tool for systemic change and what other cities can learn from LA’s approach.
Mentioned in This Episode:Conrad N. Hilton Foundation – Supporting initiatives to alleviate human suffering
St. Joseph Center – Providing support and housing solutions for the homeless in LA
This Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!
Eric HodelIn this episode, Rob Harter is joined by Eric Hodel, CEO of Midwest Food Bank, to discuss how his organization is tackling food insecurity on both a national and international scale. Midwest Food Bank has grown to serve 23 states in the U.S., multiple countries, and provide disaster relief—all with a highly efficient distribution model and a dedicated volunteer base.
Topics include:-The root causes of food insecurity and how nonprofits can address them
-How Midwest Food Bank is able to distribute over $500 million worth of food annually
-The role of technology and logistics in efficient food distribution
-Why collaboration among nonprofits is key to creating sustainable solutions
-How volunteers play a crucial role in making large-scale food distribution possible
Eric also shares insights on disaster relief efforts and how Midwest Food Bank has expanded its mission beyond the U.S. to impact communities in Haiti and East Africa.
Mentioned:*Midwest Food Bank – Supporting food pantries and disaster relief efforts
*Tender Mercies Program – Nutritional meal packs distributed globally
This Episode is Sponsored By:*DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Jesse LaneIn this episode, Rob Harter is joined by Jesse Lane, founder of goodmakerU and Branches Mission Lab, to discuss how nonprofits can elevate their marketing and fundraising efforts in an increasingly digital world. Jesse returns to the show to share insights on the power of email marketing, donor engagement strategies, and the role of AI in nonprofit marketing.
Topics include:
-Why email marketing is still one of the most effective fundraising tools
-Common mistakes nonprofits make with email and how to avoid them
-The ideal balance between fundraising appeals and value-driven content
-How AI can streamline marketing while keeping communications personal
-The power of donor segmentation and automation for better engagement
Jesse also provides practical steps for small nonprofits to build an email list from scratch and maximize the impact of their marketing efforts.
Mentioned:*goodmakerU – Fundraising training programs for nonprofits
*Branches Mission Lab – A creative and marketing agency for nonprofit fundraising
This Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Dr. Michael Horowitz, Chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, about the crucial role of culture in nonprofit success. Dr. Horowitz emphasizes that culture isn’t just an abstract concept—it directly impacts leadership, fundraising, collaboration, and long-term impact.
Topics include:
– Why Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” is still relevant today
– How to intentionally foster a culture of collaboration within an organization and across the nonprofit sector
– Avoiding mission drift while navigating economic challenges and fundraising pressures
– Strategies for operationalizing a nonprofit’s values to ensure alignment with its mission
Dr. Horowitz also shares his approach to building a culture of radical cooperation and how nonprofit leaders can use this mindset to drive innovation, efficiency, and long-term success.
Mentioned:The Community Solution Education System– A nonprofit integrated system of six colleges and universities
Dr. Michael Horowitz on LinkedIn – Follow here
This Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!
Javier LezcanoIn this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Javier Lezcano, Executive Director of Xcalibur Foundation, a nonprofit based in Spain that is making a significant impact across multiple countries. As the first Spanish nonprofit featured on the podcast, Javier shares how Xcalibur Foundation is working to support vulnerable communities through education, sports, and community engagement.
Topics include:*The foundation’s unique approach to social impact in Spain, Uganda, Colombia, and beyond
*How they use sports as a tool to keep children in school and create long-term opportunities
*Addressing challenges like menstrual hygiene barriers to keep girls in education
*Strategies for nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and creating sustainable partnerships
Javier also shares inspiring success stories, including a young athlete who earned an international scholarship, demonstrating the power of nonprofit initiatives in transforming lives.
Mentioned:Xcalibur Foundation – Supporting education and community development globally
Naguru Social Sport Academy – After-school sports program in Uganda promoting education
Xcalibur Foundation on Social Media – Follow here
This Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!
In this episode, Rob speaks with Doug Paul, founder of Catapult, about the importance of personal growth for nonprofit leaders. Doug emphasizes the role of intentionality in leadership development and shares actionable insights on how leaders can design a personal growth plan that aligns with their unique wiring, calling, and story.
Topics include:
-Why leaders need a personal growth plan to navigate the fast-paced nonprofit landscape
-The role of innovation and adaptability in leadership development
-How nonprofits can foster a culture of continuous improvement
-Practical steps to create a leadership plan based on personal strengths and goals
Doug also shares stories of leaders who have successfully navigated pivotal moments in their careers by focusing on personal growth and strategic planning.
Mentioned:Catapult – Helping leaders and organizations scale and thrive
Good Strategy, Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt – Recommended book for understanding strategy
Doug Paul on LinkedIn – Connect here
This Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Mohamed OsmanIn this episode, Rob is joined by Mohamed Osman and Ali Metcalf from Spring Impact, a nonprofit focused on helping organizations tackle global challenges at scale. Together, they discuss the findings from their new report, which explores how nonprofits can overcome the biggest obstacle to scaling their impact: accessing funding.
Topics include:Why accessing funding for scale remains the number one challenge for nonprofits.
Lessons learned from organizations that successfully scaled their operations.
The importance of embedding solution delivery costs in government or partner systems.
Strategies for diversifying funding sources, including philanthropy, corporate partnerships, and end-user revenue.
Practical advice for funders and nonprofits looking to maximize their impact.
Mohamed and Ali share inspiring examples of nonprofits that have navigated these challenges to grow their reach and create lasting change in their communities.
Mentioned: Spring Impact – Supporting organizations globally to scale their impact * Securing Nonprofit Report– Download the report mentioned in this episode. * Spring Impact Free Toolkit – Download tools to improve scaling strategies * Spring Impact LinkedIn* – Follow here
This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox* – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com * Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel * Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com * Request a sample coaching session:* Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Stephane AokiIn this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Stephane Aoki, founder of Elevate Côte d’Ivoire, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underprivileged Ivorians by providing job opportunities and fostering self-reliance. Stephane shares his personal journey growing up in the Ivory Coast and how his experiences inspired the mission of Elevate.
Topics include:-Why job creation is at the heart of Elevate Côte d’Ivoire’s mission
-The ripple effects of stable income on healthcare, education, and family well-being
-Balancing financial assistance with the goal of self-reliance
-The importance of understanding community needs and tackling the root causes of poverty
Stephane also highlights inspiring success stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through Elevate’s programs, and he discusses how collaboration and partnership play a critical role in their work.
Mentioned:Elevate Côte d’Ivoire – Empowering Ivorians through jobs and opportunities
MIT OpenCourseWare – Development Economics – Recommended resource for understanding poverty solutions
Stephane Aoki on LinkedIn – Connect here
This Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:–Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
–Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
–Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
–Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
George TsiatisIn this episode, Rob Harter speaks with George Tsiatis, CEO and co-founder of the Resolution Project, about how to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers. George shares his experience working with Gen Z leaders and explains why this generation is uniquely positioned to tackle global challenges.
Topics include:
- How to turn youth complacency into solution-driven action
- Why collaboration between generations leads to better innovation
- Strategies for nonprofits to recruit and engage Gen Z talent
- The importance of purpose-driven work and how nonprofits can foster it
George also shares inspiring success stories from Resolution Project fellows who are making a significant impact in their communities worldwide.
Mentioned: Resolution Project – Empowering young leaders to drive social change * Enactus – A global network of student entrepreneurs making a difference * George Tsiatis on LinkedIn* – Connect here
This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox* – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com * Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel * Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com * Request a sample coaching session:* Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Africa Mission HealthcareIn this episode, Rob is joined by Scott Marcello, President of African Mission Healthcare, to discuss how nonprofit collaboration can amplify impact and create lasting change. Scott shares insights into the organization’s work addressing healthcare disparities across Africa, emphasizing the importance of partnerships, community engagement, and innovative strategies to improve access to quality care.
Topics include:
-The power of collaboration and community engagement in solving healthcare challenges
-How African Mission Healthcare supports mission hospitals to provide critical care and training
-Strategies to balance cost, quality, and access to healthcare
-The role of long-term investment and relationship building in creating sustainable change
Scott also shares real-world examples of the organization’s work, including its SAFE surgical initiative and programs to strengthen healthcare systems in underserved regions.
Mentioned: African Mission Healthcare – Transforming healthcare systems in Africa * SAFE Program* – Surgical Access for Everyone initiative providing life-changing surgeries
This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox* – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com * Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel * Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com * Request a sample coaching session:* Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
John HewkoIn this episode, Rob is joined by John Hewko, General Secretary and CEO of Rotary International. John shares an update on Rotary’s global initiatives, including their ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, tackle new challenges, and adapt to the evolving needs of communities worldwide.
Topics include:
How Rotary is addressing the loneliness epidemic through volunteerism and community involvement.
The lessons Rotary has learned from its polio eradication initiative.
How the organization is adapting its structure and offerings to engage the next generation of leaders.
The importance of being audacious and collaborative to achieve large-scale impact.
With over 1.2 million members across 45,000 clubs worldwide, Rotary remains one of the largest and most influential nonprofits, dedicated to creating positive change on both local and global levels.
Mentioned: Rotary International – Learn more about Rotary and find a club near you * Rotary’s Polio Eradication Initiative – A global effort to end polio * Rotary Fellowships* – Join global communities around shared interests like tennis, cycling, and more
This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox* – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com * Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel * Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com * Request a sample coaching session:* Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Dr. Kristen BrownIn this episode, Rob speaks with Dr. Kristen Brown, Senior Research Associate at the Urban Institute, about the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on medical research. Dr. Brown shares insights from her work in maternal health research, highlighting how AI is being used to address critical health disparities and improve healthcare outcomes for mothers and infants in the U.S.
The conversation explores:
-The role of AI in identifying and managing high-risk pregnancies
-Ethical considerations, including equity, data bias, and the responsibility of AI developers
-The importance of centering equity in AI development to avoid exacerbating disparities
Dr. Brown provides an inside look at her collaboration with the GE Healthcare Foundation and how AI can either bridge or widen the gap in healthcare outcomes, depending on how it is implemented.
Mentioned:Urban Institute – Research-driven insights to advance upward mobility and equity
GE Healthcare Foundation – Supporting equitable healthcare solutions
Kristen Brown, PhD on LinkedIn Follow here
This Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Ben MillerArtificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the nonprofit landscape, and the question for nonprofit leaders isn’t whether to use AI, but how to use it effectively. In this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Ben Miller, SVP of Data Science at Bonterra, to explore how nonprofits can leverage AI for good. They discuss practical applications like improving donor engagement, optimizing operations, and overcoming barriers to adopting AI.
Ben also addresses critical ethical considerations, including data security and bias, while offering advice for nonprofits of all sizes on how to start small and grow their AI capabilities. Whether you’re an executive director, development officer, or board member, this episode provides valuable insights into how AI can help your nonprofit achieve greater impact.
Mentioned: Bonterra – AI-powered tools and resources for nonprofits * Fundraising AI – Ethical AI guidelines for the nonprofit sector * Fundraising Effectiveness Project* – Free resources for improving fundraising outcomes
This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox* – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com * Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel * Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com * Request a sample coaching session:* Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
https://donorbox.org/?ref=nmu4ndh
In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Scott Key, the founder of Every Shelter, a nonprofit focused on providing innovative shelter solutions for refugees. Scott shares insights into the global refugee crisis, emphasizing the staggering statistic that refugees remain displaced for an average of 20 years. He explains how Every Shelter addresses this challenge by focusing on localization, empowering refugees, and fostering economic opportunities through innovative shelter products and services.
Scott delves into the importance of innovation in the nonprofit sector, how his organization leverages hyperlocal solutions to meet refugee needs, and the value of risk-taking for meaningful social change. He also discusses his vision for Every Shelter as a research and development hub for scalable, impactful solutions in the humanitarian sector.
Mentioned: Every Shelter* – A nonprofit providing shelter solutions for refugees
This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox* – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Transcript:
Dr Rob Harter (00:01.133)
Well, welcome to the nonprofit leadership podcast, Scott. Thanks so much for taking time to be on the show today.
Scott Key (00:05.974)
Yeah, really thankful to be here,
Dr Rob Harter (00:08.483)
Absolutely. Well, I have found it’s always helpful for my listeners to get a real quick overview as to what you do and what every shelter is all about. So maybe just start with that. Let’s give a quick summary of your mission and your organization.
Scott Key (00:21.858)
Yeah. So, I always start with one statistic and it’s, and it’s actually what got me into this work in the first place, but, refugees on average will stay this place for about 20 years. and if I had your listeners close their eyes and just imagine what a refugee shelter looks like, it probably doesn’t jive with 20 years. And so, that was really what drew me in when I got started with this. every shelter is all about helping refugees create home for themselves.
you know, and we’re a little bit ambiguous on purpose with that because 20 years you are creating home, you know, referring to them as shelters is not maybe fully descriptive of what, you know, kind of the charges.
Dr Rob Harter (01:04.405)
Yeah, well with the work you’re doing, there are many aspects I understand to it. What would you say are the top one or two things that you’re really trying to solve? Because you’re working with refugees, that’s a huge, there’s so many different layers to that. But yeah, what are you really trying to hone in on?
Scott Key (01:19.222)
Yeah. So really specifically, we work in refugee camp settings, refugee settlements. So when I talk to an American audience, when I say refugee, often what people are thinking of is resettlement. Refugees who have the opportunity to come live in the US or Western Europe. And that is not what we’re talking about. What we’re talking about specifically is refugees who have crossed the border and are living most often in a camp or a settlement.
A lot of our work focuses around kind of the local ecosystem around refugees shelter. So we ultimately want refugees to have safe, stable housing. The way that we do that is by investing in product development, local supply chains, and then refugee led markets in those camps. And so we have a few products that are kind of our origin. We have a flooring system. We have a roofing tarp.
And in both cases, the goal is for those to be made locally so that the local economy can benefit from the production of those things. You know, in addition to that, we have our hardware stores, we have sheltered depots, we run hardware stores and refugee camps so that refugees have more agency over what it is they are needing for their homes. So if you juxtapose that to the way that aid often works in our context, in-kind aid distribution.
It’s very need and preference blind. It relies 100 % on philanthropy to underwrite it. And our stores are an ability for refugees to be able to actually choose the things that they need and not need tell them what they need. And so the stores ultimately need to reflect back the needs of the community well. And those stores become really a platform for us to develop increasingly precise solutions for those communities. So the stores ultimately become a place for us to serve that community.
and there are very, very specific needs.
Dr Rob Harter (03:13.429)
Well, and yeah, it is such a big issue. I’m glad you narrowed that a little bit down. And one of the things you talk about when I looked into your website and some of the work that you’re doing, you talk a lot about localization in the context of what every shelter does within the humanitarian system. Maybe you could talk a little bit more about that because I think that’s unique and I want to make sure my listeners understand what you mean by localization.
Scott Key (03:34.808)
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, so I’ll start with the kind of like the counterbalance of that, which is the way that we’ve globally, attempted to serve refugees is really through a kind of a global mindset. You know, the UN High Commissioner for refugees has a catalog of products that are relevant globally, or at least in theory, those are made in a factory somewhere and then brought in when a need is there. That may be an appropriate solution during what’s called the emergency response phase of a refugee crisis.
But when you consider that 20 year statistic, it just really doesn’t work longterm. so, but when we say localization, we mean that very literally. want, well, let me say it like this. The communities that surround refugees have the resources and the solutions to the needs that refugees have. And so sometimes we feel like our job is often, you know, connecting dots that are just desperate to connect. Our stores are really.
Our stores are a really great example of that. We’re making a platform or an access point to a local Uganda business to the refugees needs. And so we really want to see, yeah, that economic benefit live close by. I’ll give one specific example. In our store in the northern part of Uganda and the BDBD refugee settlement, the second largest refugee settlement in the world, we
Our customers there have a hard time acquiring certain products, grass, poles, there’s been really rapid deforestation. so at that store, we have invested in a model home, which looks exactly like the homes that they build for themselves in South Sudan, but it’s substituting in products that refugee led organizations or Ugandan run businesses actually produce. So treated bamboo.
you know, a palm leaf product, et cetera. And so when we say local, oftentimes we do mean hyper local. We mean these are South Sudanese refugees, which has different preferences than maybe a refugee from the Congo. And we want to make sure that those solutions are relevant to them. But even in the context of that camp, which we talk about, you know, subject like scale, there’s 270,000 South Sudanese refugees living in this camp. So if you solve that problem in a local context,
Scott Key (05:57.848)
you’re ultimately able to serve quite a lot of people. so, yeah.
Dr Rob Harter (06:04.567)
Wow, that’s 270,000 and just in that one camp. Talk to me about how you sort through just the immensity of it and feeling overwhelmed by all the needs of just that one example of one group. And I know you serve more than that, but talk about how do you sort that through as a leader?
Scott Key (06:21.74)
Yeah, it’s a pretty relevant question right now. mean, there’s so many things that we could tackle, you know, it’s, and we, and we’ve got a relatively small team. so, you know, filtering and deciding what to pursue is ultimately, you know, question that we always have to answer. so internally we talk about, you know, the three Rs, you know,
Is there a ripple effect with this product? Is there something about this pursuit that can kind of have an outsized, like leveraged impact? Is there a revenue opportunity? And by that, we don’t mean to us, but is there, does this pursuit have the ability to potentially self sustain itself financially if we pursue it? And then the other one is reputation. If we’re successful in this, you know, pursuit, you know, does that somehow build the credibility of the project and the team? And so we try to use that as a filter.
our team and the work that we do, it looks a lot like a studio in the sense that we’re taking in the needs of the community. We’re turning them into pilots. If those pilots are successful, they’re ultimately, they find their kind of final form in the form of the store. And so, yeah, we are constantly confronted with, you know, what do we take on? And, you know, we try to use those filters and then we literally have a position in each refugee settlement.
that their job is effectively to be listeners. They’re refugees themselves, and so they ultimately provide a huge voice into, what truly are the needs of this community and how can we respond?
Dr Rob Harter (07:59.971)
Well, I appreciate you answering that. know mission drift is such a challenge for every nonprofit. And I’m guessing the bigger the needs and like what you’re doing, it can be such a temptation to sort through what is really our mission and how much can we do sustainably with the staff you have and the resources you have. Now, one of the things I really was impressed with when I looked into what you do is innovation. You’re a big believer in innovation for positive social change. I think it’s a great focus. In fact, I have heard others in the nonprofit sector
gently criticize the nonprofit sector as a whole that we’re not as innovative as we could be. And I think there’s some probably some fair argumentation to that and we can get better at innovation. So talk about that. Why are you so motivated by innovation for positive change? And give us an example of how you demonstrate how you’re going about putting that into practice.
Scott Key (08:50.11)
I think it starts with understanding the space that you’re working in quite well. So, you know, referenced the 20 year statistic for a long time. You know, there’s an emergency response phase to a refugee’s journey. There’s a resettlement, a pathway to citizenship somewhere else down the line. We really exist in a space where we refer to it as the gap. And so it’s a space that doesn’t have many solutions, given kind of the political context in the hosting countries.
a lot of existing development and age strategies just really aren’t relevant. And so all that to say, we’re in a space that doesn’t have a lot of answers. And, you know, if we’re going to solve these problems, we have to try new things, you know, and so that’s probably the impetus of the motivation for us. And I’ll just kind of speak again, kind of to the contrary, traditional philanthropy doesn’t reward risk-taking. And we definitely confront that.
Dr Rob Harter (09:45.965)
Right. True.
Scott Key (09:48.392)
on an annual basis, you find a lot of what I call vending machine philanthropy, where it’s like, put a dollar in, I want a bag of chips to fall out. You know, hey, what are my guaranteed outcomes out of this activity? And I want to fund that. And to be sure we have those as an organization, but we’re often trying to attract funders who, you know, want to take risks and understand that risk taking is necessary to solve the problems in our space.
Dr Rob Harter (10:13.991)
Vending machine philanthropy. I love that phrase. I think there’s a lot of truth to that. I think it’s something that people do deal with and struggle with. What have you found to be successful in, you know, without just saying it outright, but to work around donors that maybe do have that mindset when they come to support your organization? How do you work around that and not also make people feel bad about, you know, they’re trying to do something, but you’re trying to move them away from that into a
Scott Key (10:18.614)
Yeah.
Dr Rob Harter (10:42.357)
a bigger idea of what philanthropy really is, what’s been working for you when it comes to development.
Scott Key (10:47.864)
You know, I think if you thought about our typical donor profile, oftentimes they’re business people. They’re people who have probably taken big risks. And so you can speak that language to them. It’s like, you know, when you started or built your business, obviously there’s kind of inherent risk taking in that because you’re seeing an opportunity that you want to deserve. so that tends to be a good donor profile for us. But then two is we just have a track record of success.
that we can kind of lean on. And so even with people who may not be as accustomed to funding uncertain outcomes, our track record really speaks for itself in the sense that we really are kind of subject matter experts. We know our space really well. And we’ve got a body of work behind us that kind of points to maybe smart risk taking versus moonshots that aren’t worth taking.
Dr Rob Harter (11:46.339)
Well, and that’s good to hear how you’ve been navigating through that. You know, as you think about your nonprofit, you know, I have a lot of people on the show that lead just local or community based or US based nonprofit organizations. You’ve obviously have this big international output of what you’re doing and your scope is larger than maybe your typical nonprofit. What led you to make that decision and what have been some of the challenges to make sure that you were able to manage that? Obviously you’re, you’re based out of Houston, Texas.
as you mentioned, but yet you are impacting the world. How do you manage that well on a leadership side and a management side?
Scott Key (12:23.988)
leading, leading two offices and international office, mean? Yeah. It’s a challenge. you know, we, you know, one, we have incredible staff and we try our best to take care of them. you know, we, we, we desire continuity and, and, you know, we want to make sure that our leadership over, in our other offices is just well taken care of. that’s part of it, but, you know, we make it a point to be together every 60 days, somehow.
Dr Rob Harter (12:26.829)
Right?
Dr Rob Harter (12:53.251)
Nice.
Scott Key (12:53.56)
That’s a big part of it. It does. And in my, I’m very transparent with my team. It sometimes feels like building two organizations at the same time. And so, you know, trying to create a culture that’s shared between the two offices, as far as an organization goes, that’s part of the strategy is just trying to spend a lot of time together, you know, as an organization and just naturally leading an office in East Africa.
leading one in the States, there’s definitely some distinctions there. But, you know, making sure that we spend a lot of time as a leadership team being on the same page and leading with transparency and honesty and vulnerability. mean, I, prior to this never led, I’ve never had this many, many people on staff and never led an organization like this. And so we do have a culture, at least among the leadership team of, of grace and we’re figuring this out together and we’re all working really hard.
And hopefully the mistakes aren’t too big when we do make them, but inevitably there will be some.
Dr Rob Harter (13:58.527)
Well, I’ve read that you are guided by the idea that true fulfillment lies in giving back to society. I really like that phrase and that sentiment even more. Tell us more about why this is so important to you and why is it true in your mind.
Scott Key (14:12.568)
Yeah, so I’m a Christian. It’s part of why I got into this in the first place. mean, my worldview from that faith perspective is very much that we should be about fixing things that are broken in the world. And specifically with the skills and education and the resources that we have doing that. I I had early on in my adulthood, people that kind of pointed to a path.
that used my construction management background, my architecture background as a way of right and wrongs that existed in the world. so, I was just really infatuated with the idea of leading a life that built solutions for things that needed mending. yeah, so it’s a huge source of motivation for me in an ongoing basis. And I’ve found also for my team as well is that it’s just, it’s a blessing to be able to participate in this work.
Dr Rob Harter (15:12.639)
Excellent. Okay, so as you look at the next couple of years, maybe even three to five years, where would you like to be? Where would you like the organization to be? What kind of impact do you want to have?
Scott Key (15:22.232)
Yeah, so we work under the UN umbrella, so UN High Commissioner for Refugees. so I follow me down this rabbit hole. In under that umbrella, the next strata down are what are called implementing partners. There’s 3048 organizations registered with UNHCR to provide direct services refugees. 3048, we don’t want to be 3049. You know, we want to be, you know, kind of the yeast and the bread, you know,
Dr Rob Harter (15:26.082)
Okay.
Scott Key (15:50.744)
seen really as the R &D for our sector. A lot of the partners that we work with in these settings, they have a presence in maybe 20 different countries, 24, 30. They already have kind of the infrastructure laid. We want to build the products and solutions that they scale across their platforms. And so we don’t want to be a giant charity, but a lot of our work right now, in addition to the literal work that we do, is really trying to build that trust and credibility within our sector as, I hate the word thought leader. Sorry if anybody is offended by that, but as good do leaders as one of my board members says, we wanna be seen as a group that can be a resource, a trusted partner to build solutions that may be a bit out of the box. lot of the organizations in our space, going back to an earlier point in the conversation.
Scott Key (16:46.136)
They’re not really built for innovation and not built for risk taking. And we really want to be seen as an organization that can partner with those large organizations, develop solutions that really work, that then have the potential of scaling across their platforms. So, you know, building that credibility, you know, we, we, we publish a lot of currently self published books, but, a lot of our work is really trying to disseminate our thinking and the activities that we do with the hopes that
that it builds credibility and then also maybe finds new partnerships, but then we want to be transparent and open source about the work that we do so that others can approach the work in a similar way.
Dr Rob Harter (17:25.891)
That’s I love that approach of trying to be more the R &D as you said to multiple organizations that then can turn around and scale that I think it’s a cool vision that I don’t hear often Most people want to grow their own nonprofit and continue to scale it. Okay, so as listeners are hearing this and maybe they’re interested in finding out a little bit more about it What is the what do you need most right now in terms of your organization? What kind of support do you need? What would be most helpful?
Scott Key (17:51.032)
Yeah, I mean, so we have a program called the Haven, which is our monthly donor community. You know, some, people give as little as $10 a month, $30 a month. We have people who give thousands a month. But like, I know a lot of your non, your listeners and nonprofits, but yeah, I mean, I’m preaching to the choir that level of kind of reliability and funding is, you know, it’s huge for us. And so, I’m supporting the work in that way.
I hope that as your listeners come away from this, have maybe reformed the way that they understand the refugee context. You know, what is a refugee? What is the more typical context? so think spreading awareness, there’s 117 million people displaced in the world every year. That number goes up by a lot. You know, we need good solutions. And so even just participating in some of that. Now, sharing, what does it mean to actually be displaced? What does it mean to be a refugee? You know, kind of, hopefully at the end of this conversation, they’ve at least reformed their own thinking a bit on that front.
Dr Rob Harter (18:56.609)
Development obviously is the lifeblood in many ways for many nonprofit organizations. If you don’t have the money to fund your mission, you can’t really stay in existence. When you look about the time you’ve had with every shelter, what would you say, has the landscape changed when it comes to development and fundraising? Particularly, you’ve got this international application of your mission. How has perhaps, if at all, development changed for you and the way you approach donors?
Scott Key (19:26.2)
We’re five years old. So to say that it’s changed for us, it would be, it may be more accurate to say, you know, we’re still learning the most effective strategies as it relates to funding our work. We’ve always had a really strong connection to individuals. you know, major gifts, annual giving, that really forms kind of the bedrock of a lot of the work that we do. You know, in our world, in that sector, primarily the funding comes from institutional donors like the US government, UNHCR, you, you know, but you’re really not eligible for that funding until you’ve kind of baked the program into a level of sophistication and scale. And so that’s really the pursuit our stores are starting to be eligible for that type of funding, which is great. But for us, it’s telling the story well of the work that we do, trying to bring people into, like going all the nonprofits, trying to bring them into that story. there’s a lot of things to care about in the world. And we hope, always to find new people who might form a new passion like we have about refugees and helping support them for the long haul.
Dr Rob Harter (20:34.317)
We have for my listeners, always like to ask this of my guests, how can people find out more about you and more about your organization? Like where would you send them?
Scott Key (20:41.496)
Yeah, I mean, if you’re Houston based, we have kind of a series of events. We’re starting to do more and more lectures with Rice University’s Baker Institute, for example. You know, so if you’re local to Houston, which I’m sure most of your listeners may not be, you know, that’s a great resource. So that’s newsletter list. We try to not make that a spammy thing. You know, it’s so there’s always interesting things that we include in the newsletter that might be.
you know, interesting for you. yeah, signing up for the newsletter, participating in our events, kind of maybe the standard course for a lot of nonprofits. But yeah.
Dr Rob Harter (21:20.067)
Okay, that sounds good. Well, thanks for what you’re doing. I think you’ve got a really big task in front of you, boy, trying to serve refugees that have been completely displaced, their world is upside down in many ways. Thank you. Thanks for what you’re doing. That’s a really noble task and best of luck with all you’re doing.
Scott Key (21:37.656)
Appreciate it. Thanks for having me on again.
Dr Rob Harter (21:39.491)
Yeah, absolutely. Thanks for being on the show.
© 2024 Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. All rights reserved.
Ellena FortnerIn this episode, Rob is joined by Ellena Fortner, founder of Nonprofit Bestie, an organization dedicated to empowering women leaders in small and medium-sized nonprofits. With over 15 years of nonprofit experience, Ellena focuses on equipping leaders with practical tools, strategies, and guidance to achieve their fundraising goals with confidence and ease.
Ellena shares insights into creating personalized donor journeys, mastering donor retention strategies, and building a supportive community for nonprofit leaders. She introduces her signature program, Bestie Bootcamp, a 15-week comprehensive training designed to simplify fundraising and make it more effective. Tune in for actionable advice on cultivating lasting donor relationships and thriving as a nonprofit leader.
Mentioned:Nonprofit Bestie – Coaching and training for nonprofit leaders
Rob Harter’s Leadership and Life Coaching – Find out more about what Rob offers
This Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Mariya YurukovaIn today’s episode, Rob Harter is joined by Mariya Yurukova, founder of Charity Search Group (CSG), to discuss the essential connection between recruitment and retention in the nonprofit sector. With years of experience helping organizations find and retain top talent, Mariya shares actionable strategies for building a strong workforce through effective recruitment practices. From incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into hiring to understanding the evolving recruitment landscape, Mariya provides valuable insights for nonprofits facing high turnover and recruitment challenges.
Rob’s guest, Mariya Yurukova, discusses the importance of thorough onboarding, setting growth-oriented expectations, and maintaining equitable and supportive work environments to help retain talent. Mariya also emphasizes how nonprofits can strengthen board engagement and support leadership to create a culture that attracts and retains dedicated employees.
Mariya’s insights offer a roadmap for nonprofits looking to improve both their recruitment processes and employee retention by aligning them with the organization’s long-term goals and values.
Mentioned:Charity Search Group (CSG) – Helping nonprofits find top leadership talent
LinkedIn – Follow Mariya Yurukova and CSG for insights on recruitment and retention
Rob Harter’s Leadership and Life Coaching
This Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
Links to Resources:Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Addressing childhood poverty in the U.S. is an enormous challenge, and for nonprofits working to improve children’s lives, understanding the impact of poverty is essential. In this episode, Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician and advocate for early childhood development, joins Rob to discuss how nonprofits can support positive childhood experiences to mitigate the effects of poverty. Dr. Navsaria shares insights from his work with the Reach Out and Read initiative, a program focused on literacy and relational health for young children. He emphasizes the power of strong caregiver relationships and the importance of creating positive experiences that build resilience.
Rob’s guest, Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, explains how childhood adversity and positive experiences affect long-term outcomes. Through his work with Reach Out and Read, Dr. Navsaria aims to increase awareness of childhood poverty and provide strategies to support early development. He highlights the significance of creating an “ecosystem of supports” to address not only immediate needs but also provide ongoing support for families facing poverty.
Dr. Navsaria’s insights reveal critical strategies for nonprofits looking to support children and families in poverty, including fostering strong relational health, creating programs that promote early literacy, and advocating for systemic change. His approach offers a model for nonprofits aiming to create sustainable and impactful change.
Mentioned:Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read Podcast – A five-part series on childhood poverty
American Academy of Pediatrics – Policy on childhood adversity
Link to AAP policy statement
Rob Harter’s Leadership and Life Coaching
This Episode is Sponsored By:DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with powerful, user-friendly donation forms.
Links to Resources:Want to work with a leadership and life coach? Check out Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Measuring impact is crucial for nonprofits striving to create sustainable change. In this episode, Dana François, Program Officer for Family Economic Security at the Kellogg Foundation, joins Rob to discuss strategies for effectively measuring program impact. Dana shares insights from the Kellogg Foundation’s Pockets of Hope campaign in Haiti, a targeted initiative to strengthen food systems, education, and local economies. She emphasizes the importance of using locally driven metrics and engaging community members in the evaluation process to ensure that outcomes are meaningful and reflect community priorities.
Rob’s guest, Dana François, explains how the Pockets of Hope campaign uses a holistic approach to track success, focusing on long-term metrics, such as job creation, family economic stability, and local food production. Dana also discusses how the Kellogg Foundation collaborates with Haitian-led organizations, leveraging local knowledge to design impactful interventions. She stresses that strong partnerships and a “trust-based” approach are key to making a lasting difference in vulnerable communities.
Dana’s insights highlight essential strategies for nonprofits aiming to measure their impact, including setting clear goals, using participatory methods, and investing in long-term solutions. Her approach provides a valuable model for nonprofits looking to create both immediate relief and systemic change.
Mentioned:
Kellogg Foundation website
Kellogg Foundation’s Pockets of Hope Campaign
Haiti Food System Alliance
Model School Network
Haitian Education & Leadership Program
This Episode is Sponsored By:
Links to Resources:
Want to work with a leadership and life coach? Check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/
You can now find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nonprofitleadershippodcast7679
If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
If you would like a sample coaching session, email rob@robharter.com
Takeaways:
The Kellogg Foundation has been engaged in Haiti for 70 years.
Community engagement and local leadership are crucial for effective solutions.
Investing in smallholder farmers is key to economic development in Haiti.
Education and leadership programs empower the next generation.
Collaboration among organizations leads to systemic change.
Measuring impact involves assessing both financial commitments and community needs.
The Model School Network has improved educational outcomes in Haiti.
Immediate needs must be balanced with long-term solutions.
Engaging with local organizations is essential for sustainable development.
Trust-based relationships are vital for successful partnerships.
Erin McAleerWhat does it take to solve food insecurity on a statewide level? In this episode, Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread, shares how Massachusetts is tackling food insecurity through advocacy, systemic change, and statewide collaboration. Erin discusses Project Bread’s radical approach to ending hunger by addressing both immediate needs and permanent solutions, including the recent passage of free school meals for all K-12 students in Massachusetts. She explains the importance of involving people with lived experiences in the decision-making process to craft more effective and sustainable solutions.
Rob’s guest, Erin McAleer, highlights the work of the Make Hunger History Coalition, a statewide effort bringing together anti-hunger advocates, organizations, and individuals to create long-term solutions for food insecurity. Erin shares how Project Bread has grown over the past few years, scaling both their impact and programs during the pandemic. She emphasizes that scaling should not be the goal, but the result of a clear mission and effective strategies. Erin’s approach of combining direct service with advocacy and systems change has made a lasting impact in Massachusetts.
Erin’s story offers nonprofit leaders some valuable insights into creating lasting, systemic change, building coalitions, and engaging individuals with lived experience to drive the solutions for issues like food insecurity.
Mentioned:
Project Bread’s website
The School Meals Program
Follow Erin McAleer on LinkedIn
This Episode is Sponsored By:
Links to Resources:
Want to work with a leadership and life coach? Check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/
You can now find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nonprofitleadershippodcast7679
If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
If you would like a sample coaching session, email rob@robharter.com
Summary:
In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter interviews Erin McLeer, the president and CEO of Project Bread, a food security organization in Massachusetts. They discuss the organization’s advocacy for free school meals, the importance of engaging individuals with lived experience in decision-making, and the challenges of scaling a nonprofit during a pandemic. Erin shares insights on building coalitions, creating systemic change, and fostering a culture of feedback within the organization.
Takeaways:
Project Bread focuses on permanent systems change to end hunger.
Advocacy for free school meals was driven by community voices.
Engaging individuals with lived experience is crucial for effective solutions.
Coalition building is essential to address systemic issues like hunger.
Recruiting community leaders enhances the impact of advocacy efforts.
Creating lasting change requires collaboration with various stakeholders.
Scaling a nonprofit should align with its mission and theory of change.
Challenges during the pandemic included maintaining team cohesion and culture.
Feedback mechanisms are vital for fostering a healthy organizational culture.
Internal lived experiences can inform and shape organizational strategies.
Quotes:
“Hunger is preventable and solvable.”
“We need to meet that immediate need.”
“This was personal for me.”
What does it take to become a successful fundraiser in today’s competitive nonprofit environment? In this episode, Haley Cooper, fundraising expert and host of the Lead with Heart podcast, shares key strategies for becoming a savvy fundraiser. Haley discusses the most pressing challenges nonprofit leaders face, such as staff turnover and donor retention, and how to build sustainable fundraising models. She highlights the importance of recurring giving programs and personalized donor communication in boosting engagement.
Rob’s guest, Haley Cooper, explains how different generations approach philanthropy and how nonprofits can tailor their messaging to align with donor values. She emphasizes the need for engaging storytelling to connect emotionally with donors and offers tips on leveraging social media effectively. She stresses that nonprofits should focus on creating compelling, interactive content, as well as the importance of actively engaging with followers by responding to comments, sending personalized messages, and collaborating with influencers.
Throughout the episode, Haley offers practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their fundraising strategies and keep donors engaged in the digital age.
Mentioned:
Haley Cooper’s website
Lead with Heart Podcast
Connect with Haley on LinkedIn
This Episode is Sponsored By:
Links to Resources:
Want to work with a leadership and life coach? Check out Rob’s website https://robharter.com/
You can now find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nonprofitleadershippodcast7679
If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
If you would like a sample coaching session, email rob@robharter.com
Summary
In this conversation, Rob Harter and Haley Cooper discuss the current challenges and strategies in nonprofit fundraising. They explore the importance of staff retention, effective communication with donors, the rise of subscription-based giving, and the generational differences in donor engagement. Haley emphasizes the need for nonprofits to leverage social media effectively, build authentic relationships, and adapt their fundraising strategies to meet the evolving landscape. The discussion concludes with resources for nonprofits to enhance their fundraising efforts.
Takeaways
Finding quality staff is a significant challenge for nonprofits.
High turnover rates can lead to increased fundraising costs.
Understanding donor communication preferences is crucial.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for donor engagement.
Subscription-based giving is becoming more popular among younger generations.
Generational differences affect how donors engage with nonprofits.
Nonprofits should focus on one or two social media platforms.
Engagement on social media is more valuable than likes.
Investing in technology can streamline fundraising efforts.
Transparency and accountability are essential for donor trust.
Nonprofit. It is a word we all use to describe our organizations, but are we inadvertently hurting ourselves by using that word? When you hear the name “nonprofit” what comes to mind? Perhaps scarcity, or the opposite of something, or work that we shouldn’t get paid to do?
Why do we call this sector by its tax exempt status rather than for what we do? Shouldn’t we be known for the impact and change we bring to the world? Today, we are honored to welcome back four, successful leaders from the nonprofit sector to discuss why we need to rebrand the sector and ways we can start doing so.
This was an interview Rob initially did a year ago. He received so much positive feedback, it is reposted for those who may have missed it. This topic is just as relevant now as it was a year ago.
Rob’s guests are Gayle Smith, Joan Garry, Tony Martignetti, and Sara Lomelin. Gayle is the CEO of The ONE Campaign. Joan is the founder of Nonprofit Leadership Lab. Tony is the host of Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio. Sara is the CEO of Philanthropy Together. All five of these leaders are not only passionate about the specific work they do, but they are also passionate about changing and improving the sector as a whole.
The panel opens the discussion talking about the word “nonprofit” and why using this term to describe our work is a problem. Joan believes nonprofit leaders get so caught up in doing good work, that they don’t invest time in showing the world that they are more than just their “tax exempt” status. Gayle thinks using terms like “nonprofit” to describe the work organizations do, makes them sound like failed businesses. Sara believes it makes organizations sound weak and limits their impact. Tony believes that the term “nonprofit” doesn’t grab the attention of media outlets, and thus organizations fail to get in front of more people. When it comes to how the sector can start to rebrand itself, all four leaders agree that changing the reputation comes from the collective work of each organization. They agree that organizations in the sector must start using different language to describe the work they do, and start incorporating words such as “impact” and “change” in their storytelling. They also strongly agree that in order to rebrand the sector, organizations need to improve on collaborating, emanating confidence, and storytelling.
Mentioned:
Gayle Smith
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayle-e-smith/
Joan Garry
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joangarry/
Tony Martinetti
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignetti/
Sara Lomelin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/saralomelin/
This Podcast is sponsored by:
Donorbox
Links to Resources:
If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
What does it take to turn around a struggling nonprofit? In this episode, Armando Contreras, CEO of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), shares his remarkable story of reviving a nonprofit that was on the verge of bankruptcy. Armando discusses the challenges UCP faced and the strategies he implemented to restore financial stability and build trust with affiliates. He also highlights UCP’s broader mission…
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Mental health is a critical issue, especially in today’s world, and Lindsay Kolsch, Co-Executive Director of To Write Love On Her Arms, joins this episode to discuss her organization’s mission. Lindsay shares how TWLOHA provides hope and help to people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. With suicide affecting someone every 40 seconds globally…
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Humans are not the only ones who suffer through troubling times, their pets do as well. Pets are often the only companion a person may have and they play a big role in one’s mental and physical health, especially during trying times. This episodes’ guest, Susanne Kogut, explains why her nonprofit is committed to the wellbeing of pets and their families. Susanne is the President of Petco Love.
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Have you ever wondered how public-private partnerships can help solve large-scale social issues? Today’s guest, Kathleen Kelly Janus, shares her experience leading impactful collaborations between government, private companies, and nonprofits to tackle challenges like homelessness and recidivism. Kathleen Kelly explains how these partnerships are vital to scaling innovation and creating…
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Being young doesn’t mean one can’t make a difference. In fact, there is a lot we in the nonprofit space can learn from Gen Z leaders who have already made a big impact in their communities. Today’s guests; Sienna Nazarian, Robbie Khazan, and Dylan Zajac are exactly those kinds of leaders. These three are great examples of emerging leaders who are making their world better. Sienna…
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Now more than ever, it’s essential that nonprofit leaders build a strong, adaptable team. But how do you find, keep, and mold top talent that aligns with your organization’s mission? Today’s guest, William Vanderbloemen, shares key strategies for building, running, and maintaining a great team that is dedicated to your organization’s values and mission. Rob’s guest, William Vanderbloemen…
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How can nonprofits effectively support underserved students in achieving higher education? How do you encourage both the student and their family members to believe in their potential to achieve more? Today’s guest, Dr. Johanna Moya Fabregas, explains how her nonprofit is empowering the next generation through education and emotional support. Rob’s guest, Dr. Johanna Moya Fabregas…
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In a recent survey of nonprofit workers across the United States, a staggering 74% reported that they are seeking another job. And out of those seeking new employment, 65% are unsure they will remain working in the non-profit sector. This is a serious issue that nonprofit organizations must focus on. Today’s guest, Michelle Flores Vryn, shares more data from this survey and how nonprofit leaders…
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Most of you have heard of community foundations, but do you know how they work and what makes them unique? These organizations pool donations to support local projects, schools, and charities, ensuring funds stay within the community. Today’s guest, Amy Freitag, shares why community foundations are so powerful, and the benefits of collaborating with your local foundation. Rob’s guest…
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Human trafficking today has become one of the most overlooked humanitarian crises of our time. It is a shockingly widespread problem, with an estimated 27.6 million victims worldwide. And on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, it’s time to bring this hidden issue out of the shadows. Rob sits down with Nikki Clifton, the head of the UPS Foundation, to discuss the organization’s efforts…
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AI has been a topic of conversation for many of us in the nonprofit sector. Is the reliance on AI a good thing or a bad thing? Will the implementation of AI completely eliminate jobs? Like most things in life, it’s nuanced. Today’s guest, Bertina Ceccarelli, explains how AI is affecting jobs in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, and ways we can utilize this smart technology wisely.
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As leaders of nonprofits, receiving donations or grants from corporations is essential to our ability to provide services that make an impact. It’s important we are effective in our approach to obtaining financial gifts from these large organizations. Today’s guest, Tiara Green, shares some best practices regarding corporate philanthropy. Rob’s guest, Tiara Green, is the President of the…
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Nonprofits are driven by the desire to create social change in their communities and in the world overall. Today’s guest, Jacob Harold, explains why creating a map of your intentions, developing storytelling, and using mathematical modeling are all great tools to bring about social change. Jacob is the author of The Toolbox: Strategies for Crafting Social Impact and Co-founder of…
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As nonprofit leaders, we often find we are filling a gap in society by resolving specific needs the government is not addressing. Rob’s guest, Lynn Margherio, explains how her twenty year organization has been filling a large gap that affects approximately 1 in 5 children across the United States. Lynn is the founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons. Cradles to Crayons provides children from…
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To understand the people you are leading, you must first understand yourself. Truly becoming curious about who you are and being honest with yourself, will help you embody important traits needed to be a great leader. Today’s guest, Brenda Jimenez, describes the three traits she believes are most important for a nonprofit leader to have. Rob’s guest, Brenda Jimenez, is the CEO of Mentor New…
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How can AI help your nonprofit? Today’s guests are going to continue a conversation I had a few months back with Justin Spelhaug of Microsoft. The topic is AI, and more specifically the good use of AI to benefit your nonprofit. So how can AI be used for good to help you and your organization? Rob’s guests are going to talk about just a few of the ways they are seeking to do just that.
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According to the 2024 Social Impact Staff Retention Report, three out of every four nonprofit employees are looking for a new job. More than half of those people are unsure they will continue working in the nonprofit sector. Today’s guest, Julia Devine, shares what nonprofit leaders can do to alleviate this retention issue. Rob’s guest, Julia Devine, is the Co-founder of Relatable Nonprofit.
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To affect significant change in the community, a nonprofit leader must be willing to collaborate and engage with the community they serve. Today’s guest, Tomi Hiers, believes we can make a meaningful impact in our communities through collective action and data-driven solutions. Rob’s guest, Tomi Hiers, is the Vice President of the Center for Civic Sites and Community Change at the Annie E…
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Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 and is one of the strongest nonprofit brands in the United States. Many nonprofit leaders can learn valuable lessons from this impactful organization that has changed lives all over the world. Rob’s guest, Jonathan Reckford, shares some of his insights on a variety of topics that affect nonprofit organizations. Jonathan is the CEO of Habitat for…
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To affect big change in the world, a nonprofit leader must be willing to take risks and must be willing to fail along the way. To put it simply, it takes courage. Today’s guest, Adrien Lewis, explains what is required to be a courageous leader. Rob’s guest, Adrien Lewis, is the founder and President of CarePortal. CarePortal is a technology platform that drives action for local kids and…
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Conflict happens in the workplace, whether we like to admit it or not. According to a recent survey, 70% of people worldwide report experiencing the same or worsening levels of conflict in the past few years. Today’s guest, David Dye, describes the factors contributing to increasing levels of workplace conflict and how to manage it effectively. David Dye is an author, podcaster…
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We often discuss topics related to fundraising, branding, and culture. While these are all important areas of discussion, there is another critical topic we must focus on as nonprofit leaders. This topic is board governance. Today’s guest, Erik Hanberg, shares how nonprofits can effectively approach board recruitment and development. Rob’s guest, Erik Hanberg, is a consultant who works with…
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Are you a leader at a nonprofit who wants to bring about change, but you don’t think your idea will be welcomed by the rest of the team? Are you struggling to get everyone on board with this new mission and feel your efforts are futile? Today’s guest, Alex Budak, explains that you don’t need everyone on board before bringing change and how you can become a more effective change maker.
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It’s no secret we appreciate hearing insights from The Bridgespan Group on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. We invite two more voices from their organization to speak on relevant topics in the nonprofit space. Today’s guests, Anum Qadir and Christian Celeste Tate, discuss current trends in giving, how to improve retention and leading with intention. Rob’s guests are Anum Qadir and…
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Many of those working in nonprofits, often started in the nonprofit space. This doesn’t mean of course that someone in the for-profit sector cannot transition over. In fact, it is becoming more common. Today’s guest, Colleen Kelly, did just that, switching to the nonprofit sector after working for 30 years in the for-profit world doing marketing and advertising. Rob’s guest, Colleen Kelly…
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When you hear the term “generous leader” you may automatically think of financial generosity. Being a generous leader means more than that. Today’s guest, Joe Davis, explains that a generous leader is someone who shows vulnerability, supports inclusion and seeks to understand individuals at a deeper level. Rob’s guest, Joe Davis, is the Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston…
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What kind of brand and what kind of culture do you have? Is there a gap between how you see your brand and how your community sees your brand? Rob’s guest, Ted Vaughn, explains why so many nonprofits inadvertently develop a “brand gap” by failing to integrate their culture and brand strategy. He also shares how you can avoid making this mistake. Ted Vaughn, is the co-author of the recent book…
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Because nonprofit organizations thrive on the dedication of volunteers, we want to ensure we are not only recruiting the right people but also maximizing their impact. Today’s guest, Tyler Manley, shares how nonprofit leaders can improve volunteer recruitment and retention so volunteers become empowered champions of the mission. Rob’s guest, Tyler Manley, is the VP of Growth and Engagement of…
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Every year, approximately two million people worldwide are dying from water-borne diseases. Lack of safe drinking water, while not a new problem, is an issue that can be solved. Today’s guest, Hannah Bellamy, shares how Charity Water allocates 100% of the donations they receive to long-term, sustainable systems that provide clean water to different communities across the world. Rob’s guest…
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When most people think of nonprofits, they think of 501(c)3 organizations. Did you know that there are over thirty different types of nonprofit organizations, including 501(c)8 organizations? Today’s guest, Mike Lee, explains how nonprofit leaders can access extra financial resources for their missions, by becoming a member of a 501(c)8. Rob’s guest, Mike Lee, is the founder of the 501(c)8…
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Whether grants generate a large portion or a small portion of your budget, it is important to be efficient in your grant prospecting process. Today’s guest, Gauri Manglik, explains how nonprofits can improve their fundraising and grant prospecting. Rob’s guest, Gauri Manglik, is the CEO and Co-founder of Instrumentl. Instrumentl is a platform that brings grant prospecting…
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It’s one thing to have a belief or a hypothesis. It’s another thing to have credible numbers available to you as a nonprofit leader looking to make a real difference. Today’s guest, Angela Redding, shares how the power of data can help shape an organization’s story and impact. Rob’s guest, Angela Redding, is the Executive Director of Radiant Foundation. The goal of the foundation is to…
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When we talk about nonprofits struggling with fundraising, typically we focus on solutions that address just the fundraising aspects of that organization. But often times, perhaps most of the time, if a nonprofit is really struggling with fundraising, it’s not just a fundraising challenge, it is an organization-wide challenge. So the solution to solving the issue is much deeper and more systemic…
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How much should your nonprofit invest in marketing and fundraising before it becomes excessive? This is the question we aim to discuss today. Rob’s guest, Vilma Consuegra, explains how you can find a healthy balance between your marketing budget and your mission. Vilma Consuegra is the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at the Wounded Warrior Project. WWP offers a variety of programs…
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As nonprofit leaders, we aim to run organizations that thrive, especially in a tough economic climate. In order to thrive, we have to be able to make the right decisions. One area that impacts our ability to make the right decisions is accounting. Rob’s guest is Jason Kruger and he explains that nonprofits who have financial clarity are better able to manage their organizations effectively…
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Nonprofits have been dealing with a downward trend when it comes to the donations they receive and the volunteers that join their organizations. For example, contributions from individuals to nonprofits have decreased over thirteen percent, while corporations have given over ten percent less in 2022 compared to the previous year. Additionally, there has been a decline in volunteering for the past…
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As nonprofit leaders, we are not only making an impact in the lives of those we serve, but we have the opportunity to lead others within our organizations. So what does it take to be an effective leader? Rob’s guest is Tommy Spaulding who explains how we can be better at leading our teams, what an effective leader looks like and one key underrated trait we should all develop as leaders.
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Safe water. While most of us have access to it, there are millions across the world who do not. There are approximately 700 million people, all over the world, who do not have access to safe water or sanitation. Rob’s guest, Vedika Bhandarkar, describes a unique and effective strategy for getting more clean water to those in need. Vedika is the Chief Operating Officer at Water.org.
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Artificial Intelligence. Did you know that AI is embedded in almost everything we do? It’s often embedded in our workflow, our fundraising and our data analytics. Already, there are many in the nonprofit sector who are using AI but many not even realize that they are using. For example, in 2020, 75% of nonprofits reported using AI for predictive analytics to enhance their fundraising efforts.
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A discouraging trend in the nonprofit space is the steady decrease in the number of donors that are giving to nonprofit organizations. Simply put, if an organization cannot retain its donors, then it won’t be around very long. Rob’s guest, Cara Augspurger, Ed.M., CFRE shares specific ways we can improve our efforts in relation to donor retention. Cara is a Fundraising Coach at Donorbox.
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As of a September 2022 report on the global estimates on modern slavery, more than 27 million people are in forced labor. Out of those people affected, approximately 1 million are in the United States. Rob’s guest, Diana Mao, describes why the issue of human trafficking is so prevalent and what can be done to fight this problem. Diana is the Co-founder and President of the Nomi Network.
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What is the first thing that you think about when you hear the term, “servant leadership?” While this term isn’t very popular anymore, the essence of being a servant leader is precisely what most nonprofit leaders aspire to be. Today’s guest, Evan Wildstein breaks down what this term means and what it practically looks like to apply servant leadership to everyday situations. Rob’s guest is…
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As a nonprofit leader, do you ever feel frustrated at the engagement of your board members? Do you wonder why they aren’t performing the way they should be? Rob’s guest, Hardy Smith explains the reasons why board engagement may be down and what you can do to improve it. Hardy is a speaker and consultant who helps nonprofits customize solutions, strategies, and systems. He is also the author…
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We know that Walmart is a successful corporation, selling goods throughout the world, but that is not all they do. You may be surprised by the impact Walmart is making through their many philanthropic efforts, local and world-wide. Today’s guest, Julie Gehrki, explains the various ways Walmart is supporting nonprofits through their new social impact program, Spark Good. Rob’s guest…
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Do you have financial processes in place for your nonprofit organization? Does your financial team have the skills and knowledge to handle financial complexities as your nonprofit grows? Today’s guests, Dean Dalzell and Jerry Frick explain why it is important to have solid and transparent financial processes in place, so you don’t mismanage this area of your organization. Rob’s guests are…
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Amazon is not just a place full of great products to purchase and movies to stream, but the company is also making a social impact. Rob’s guest, Allyson Fryhoff, explains how Amazon Web Services provides many tech tools to nonprofits which is helping them to go further, faster. Allyson is the Managing Director of Nonprofit and Nonprofit Health at Amazon Web Services. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is…
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Many donors give to nonprofits via family foundations. There are times that this type of donation could pose a conflict of interest, which could eventually lead to ethical or legal issues down the line. Rob’s guest, Stephanie Yan, explains that this conflict of interest is known as “self-dealing.” She also explains how foundations can avoid finding themselves in this type of situation.
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When it comes to traditional giving to nonprofits, we are facing a downward trend. Today’s guest, Brian Crimmins, shares why traditional giving is declining. He also describes ways nonprofit leaders can change how they approach development and fundraising in order to turn things around. Brian is the co-author of the book, The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Restore…
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As nonprofit leaders, we aim to make the biggest impact possible. Sometimes in order to make the biggest and most effective impact long term, we need to be humble and consider collaborating or partnering with other organizations. Today’s’ guest, Ann Lee, shares not only why it’s important to approach your mission from a holistic, long term perspective, but to understand the importance of…
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In today’s digital age, it is more important than ever for nonprofit organizations to innovate and optimize their fundraising. Today we are honored to learn from nonprofit thought leaders who recently attended the 2023 Nonprofit Innovation and Optimization(NIO) Summit in Dallas, TX. These leaders share the best practices for how nonprofits can improve their fundraising efforts.
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When looking at the current state of the nonprofit sector, we have to look at both the biggest challenges and the biggest opportunities facing nonprofit leaders. Today we are honored to learn from nonprofit leaders who recently attended the 2023 Utah Nonprofits Association’s (UNA) Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Rob’s guests are Lindsay Hadley, Tanisha Shedden, Victoria Petro…
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What are the current trends facing the nonprofit sector when it comes to giving? What can we do as nonprofit leaders to adjust our fundraising strategies? Today’s guest, Michelle Boggs, shares some fascinating pieces of data from a 2022 report that we can use to improve our fundraising efforts and grow donations. Michelle is the Executive Nonprofit Industry Advisor of Classy. Classy…
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Nonprofit. It’s a word we all use to describe our organizations, but are we inadvertently hurting ourselves by using that word? When you hear the name “nonprofit” what comes to mind? Perhaps scarcity, or the opposite of something, or work that we shouldn’t get paid to do? Why do we call this sector by its tax exempt status rather than for what we do? Shouldn’t we be known for the impact and…
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Too often, nonprofits think they’re the cause that the community wants to support. But nonprofits are not the cause. They’re the conduit for the cause. Rob’s guest today is Bill McKendry, a marketing expert who’s spent 35 years successfully doing marketing for many for-profit companies. He pivoted out of the for-profit world to not only start a nonprofit, but is now an author of a book…
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As nonprofit leaders, we often find we are filling a gap in society by resolving specific needs the government is not addressing. Rob’s guest, Lynn Margherio, explains how her twenty year organization has been filling a large gap that affects approximately 1 in 5 children across the United States. Lynn is the founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons. Cradles to Crayons provides children from…
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Funding is absolutely critical for all nonprofits and there’s a growing group of investors who want to invest in organizations and people who are really changing the world for the better. Is it possible to both fund the mission of a nonprofit, but also give a return to investors at the same time? On the surface, this seems to be two very different and contrary purposes. However…
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Right now we are living in a time where the challenges facing management is at an all time high. This is affecting both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. For nonprofit leaders, it can feel like they are facing new, complex crises in their organizations every week. Today’s guest, Paul Falcone, explains what leaders in management positions can do to build resiliency and be the kind of leaders...
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Recruitment and retention are hot topics on the minds of many nonprofit leaders right now. Today’s guest, Jakada Imani argues that if you want to recruit and retain a diverse staff, then the organization’s leaders must work hard to create an honest culture where people feel like they actually belong. Rob’s guest is Jakada Imani, CEO of The Management Center. The Management Center (TMC) is a...
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Leading and motivating staff is a difficult job for every leader, especially the CEO or Executive Director of an organization. Staff communication, staff conflict ...
Being young doesn’t mean one is without wisdom. There is a lot we in the nonprofit space can learn from Gen Z leaders who ...
Did you know that we’re heading into an unprecedented wealth transfer? It’s been said that within the next few decades, as much as 68 ...
When it comes to becoming more efficient as a nonprofit organization, it can be helpful for nonprofit leaders to look outside the sector for ...
Our world continues to change in so many areas, particularly in regards to technology, and specifically, smart tech. Smart tech is not just changing ...
When we hear about the growing number of people being displaced from their home countries, we often assume it is conflict related, due to ...
When you consider the nonprofit sector, are you looking at it with a “scarcity mindset” or an “abundance mindset”? Do you feel like you ...
Did you know that on average, most nonprofit leaders and organizations are only tapping into 13% of their current donors’ potential? In other words, ...
When you hear the name, Kellogg’s, your mind may automatically think of some of your favorite breakfast foods. Well, Kellogg’s does more than just ...
While not many nonprofit leaders discuss the topic of planned giving, it can be a critical strategy for building a sustainable and robust nonprofit. ...
Today’s episode is Part 2 of a discussion on the biggest challenges that are facing the nonprofit sector. This discussion includes five, successful leaders ...
When we think about the nonprofit sector as a whole, it’s important to know what challenges we are up against, so we can come ...
Many of us are familiar with the multimedia software company, Adobe, and its popular products such as Photoshop, Acrobat Reader, Premiere Pro, and many ...
Did you know that employees are five times more likely to perform their best work if they believe their leader is truly listening to ...
You will remember that we had previously spoken to Allyson Fryhoff of Amazon Web Services, who explained how AWS provides many tech tools to ...
When it comes to making the best decisions for the future of your organization, you need to go about this strategically. Two very essential ...
Have you considered the importance of character and virtue when it comes to leading? For many, these terms may even seem too abstract to fully understand their impact on leadership. Today’s guest, Michael Lamb, explains what character and virtue mean, how they are directly related, and strategies we can use to cultivate our character. Rob’s guest is Michael Lamb, an author...
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Is your Board on board with your ideas? Do you find it difficult to keep your team focused on the organization’s mission? What is the most effective way to resolve conflict? Today’s guest, Maryanne Dersch, explains how you can influence your team by getting out of your comfort zone, welcoming conflict, and releasing any attachment you may have to your desired outcome. Maryanne is a nonprofit coach...
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Nonprofits are driven by the desire to create social change in their communities and in the world overall. Today’s guest, Jacob Harold, explains why creating a map of your intentions, developing storytelling, and using mathematical modeling are all great tools to bring about social change. Jacob is the author of The Toolbox: Strategies for Crafting Social Impact and Co-founder of Candid. In 2019...
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Today’s episode is Part 2 of a conversation with guests, Dr. Jim Loehr and Dr. Sheila Ohlsson Walker. In Part 1, they discuss why the skill of decision making is essential for the trajectory of our lives. In today’s episode, Jim and Sheila dive deeper into how important your inner voice is and how you can train it to be better at helping you make decisions. Jim is a well known performance...
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While you may not believe it, we humans make on average 35,000 decisions in a single day! Some decisions are very small, while others can have a bigger impact on our overall lives. Today’s guests are Doctor Jim Loehr and Doctor Sheila Ohlsson Walker. They discuss why this skill of making decisions is imperative for the trajectory of our lives, as well as how to actually make the best decisions...
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Getting funding in the form of grants is essential to many nonprofit organizations. Today’s episode is all about grant writing. Today’s guest, Holly Rustick, dives into this topic and shares what nonprofits are doing wrong when it comes to grant writing and how they can improve their grant funding process. Holly is an author, podcaster, and grant funding expert who creates effective systems for...
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We can’t discuss the topic of leadership without coming across the age-old question, “Are leaders born or are they made?” Rob’s guest, Mark Gauthier, answers this complicated question and also explains what leaders need to focus on in order to develop their leadership skills. Mark Vice is President and Executive Director of the U.S. for Cru. Cru is a faith-based, college student-focused...
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When it comes to leadership attributes, what are the top attributes in your opinion? Is it motivation? Is it vision? Is it integrity? Most often, the answer to that question emerges from our own experience, or what we have already seen. Rob’s guest today is Darren Isom and Darren explores various aspects of leadership based on his interviews with 25 leaders of color. Darren discusses topics such...
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Are you familiar with the term leadership “lids”? I first heard about leadership “lids” from author John Maxwell and these lids are self imposed limits or beliefs one has that can hold leaders back from being effective in their organizations and lives. Today’s guest will share how your effectiveness as a leader starts with your mindset, beliefs, and core values. Rob’s guest is Scott Jeffrey Miller...
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are key issues that most nonprofit leaders are discussing. When looking at the Inclusion aspect, there is one group that sometimes gets left out of the conversation. This group is made up of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Today’s guest, Lloyd Lewis, explains that hiring people with IDD is not only the right thing to do...
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Mental health issues are a growing concern all over the world. Right here in the US, there is a mental health crisis facing our youth and one significant contributor to this growing trend is social media and related technology. Today’s guest, Larissa May, shares how the next generation can be empowered to have a healthy relationship with technology. Rob’s guest is Larissa (Larz) May...
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When living in developed countries, we are accustomed to seeing special parking spaces and accessible ramps for those who may use wheelchairs. Unfortunately this is not the case in many developing countries. Not only do they not have these accommodations, but a large number of people don’t even have the ability to move around their homes or neighborhoods. Today’s guests, Don Schoendorfer and Nuka...
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Are you a leader at a nonprofit who wants to bring about change, but you don’t think your idea will be welcomed by the rest of the team? Are you struggling to get everyone on board with this new mission and feel your efforts are futile? Today’s guest, Alex Budak, explains that you don’t need everyone on board before bringing change and how you can become a more effective change maker. Rob’s guest...
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Humans are not the only ones who suffer through troubling times, their pets do as well. Pets are often the only companion a person may have and they play a big role in one’s mental and physical health, especially during trying times. Today’s guest, Susanne Kogut, explains why her nonprofit is committed to the wellbeing of pets and their families. Susanne is the President of Petco Love.
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Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 and is one of the strongest nonprofit brands in the United States. Many nonprofit leaders can learn valuable lessons from this impactful organization that has changed lives all over the world. Rob’s guest, Jonathan Reckford, shares some of his insights on a variety of topics that affect nonprofit organizations. Jonathan is the CEO of Habitat for Humanity.
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Change. Some people avoid it, while others thrive in it. Tension can sometimes rise when leaders of nonprofits seek to bring about change to their organization. Rob’s guest today is Hal Donaldson who offers his insight into how leaders can bring positive change to their organizations and how individuals can bring positive change to the world. Hal is the founder and CEO of Convoy of Hope.
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We know that Walmart is a large, profitable corporation selling goods throughout the world, but that is not all they do. You may be surprised by the impact Walmart is making through their many philanthropic efforts, local and world-wide. Today’s guest, Julie Gehrki, explains the various ways Walmart is supporting nonprofits through their new social impact program, Spark Good. Julie is the Vice...
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In order to have a successful nonprofit, sometimes changes must be made. While it may be difficult to bring change, it is necessary. Rob’s guests, Jeffrey Appell and Keith Heller explain how implementing new technology strategies can help bring positive results, and they share when it’s the best time to bring about that positive change. Jeffrey Appell and Keith Heller are the leaders behind Heller...
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We have all heard of Visa, a world leader in digital payments, but most don’t realize that the corporation has a philanthropic arm to their company. Today’s guest, Graham Macmillan, explains what the Visa Foundation is doing. He also shares key lessons nonprofit leaders can learn from corporate philanthropies. Graham is the President at the Visa Foundation. The Visa Foundation seeks to support...
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Some people will use the phrase “the great resignation” to describe current employment trends, while others will use the phrase, “the great reshuffle.” Regardless which phrases are being used, the current trends are impacting us all. Rob’s guest today is Don Howard and he argues that there is not a worker shortage, but a quality jobs shortage. Don is the President and CEO of The James Irvine...
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Community foundations play an important role in the geographic regions they offer support. Today’s guest, Joel Zarrow, helps us to further understand the purpose of a community foundation and how community foundations offer resources and tools to help nonprofits accomplish their mission. Joel is the President and CEO of Park City Community Foundation in Park City, Utah. The Park City Community...
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Improving the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) of your organization in terms of recruiting, is becoming increasingly important for both nonprofits and for-profit companies. While this has become an important mission for organizations, it is not necessarily an easy process. Today’s guest, Matt Wilkerson, explains how his company is helping nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies to find...
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Amazon is not just a place full of great products to purchase and movies to stream, but the company is also making a social impact. Rob’s guest, Allyson Fryhoff, explains how Amazon Web Services is providing tools to nonprofits, helping them to go further and faster. Allyson Fryhoff, is the Managing Director of Nonprofit and Nonprofit Health at Amazon Web Services. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the...
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Most in the nonprofit sector are passionate about affecting change with a particular issue in the world. Having a singular, focused mission in one’s organization is critical to having sustained impact and to avoid mission drift. Today’s guest, Steve Creech, explains how his nonprofit has been able to establish and maintain a clear focus that has led to sustained growth. Steve says the mission of...
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Our world continues to change in so many areas, particularly in regards to technology, and specifically, smart tech. Smart tech is not just changing how we use technology, but it’s actually changing the way people make decisions. Rob’s guests today are Beth Kanter and Allison Fine, co-authors of the upcoming book entitled The Smart Nonprofit. They point out that smart tech and other advanced...
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Currently only five percent of the tech industry is made up of women of color. This figure is extremely low, but thankfully there are nonprofits who are trying to change that. Today’s guest, Bertina Ceccarelli, explains how her organization is changing the lives of so many women who are looking to launch promising careers in the tech industry. Bertina has a Bachelors in Engineering...
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When you hear the phrase “healthy work-life balance”, what goes through your mind? That it’s impossible or possibly just a myth? Or perhaps you know first hand how the pain of your work has negatively impacted your marriage, your family or your personal life. This topic is certainly not new, and with our new “work from home, zoom-calls, always online world” that we are living in now...
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What kind of brand and what kind of culture do you have? Is there a gap between how you see your brand and how ...
Many nonprofit founders will see a problem in their community and decide to tackle the problem by starting a nonprofit. Today’s guest, Doctor David ...
Whether grants generate a large portion or a small portion of your budget, it is important to be efficient in your grant prospecting process. ...
When it comes to auditing the donations coming into your nonprofit organization, have you ever thought about where your donations are primarily coming from? ...
2020 skyrocketed the move to online giving for all donors who give to nonprofits. Organizations who already had a clear and robust process for ...
The market may be challenging, but thankfully charitable giving is resilient to poor markets. One particular tool that is fueling philanthropy is Donor Advised ...
The traditional model of having a singular Executive Director can actually be an unsustainable way to lead an organization. This model can be overwhelming ...
Across the United States, nonprofit organizations are all struggling to serve their communities due to the current economic climate. Many people are having issues ...
Today’s episode is Part 2 of a fascinating conversation with Doctor Jan Rivkin of the Harvard Business School. In Part 1, Doctor Rivkin dives ...
Right now in the United States, 95% of the sector is being overlooked and underinvested when it comes to nonprofit donations, according to Philanthropy ...
It can be difficult to see actual change to today’s big problems, especially when starting at the federal level. Change usually occurs due to ...
Cryptocurrency is all the rage in many ways right now, but there still remains a lot of skepticism about the long term sustainability of ...
Cryptocurrency is here to stay and it’s coming to a nonprofit near you. Understandably, many of you might be very skeptical when it comes ...
Ever wondered how philanthropy and charity first began? The answer may surprise you! The Greek roots for the word “philanthropy” refer to the “love ...
Almost everyone is familiar with the YMCA, especially because of the Village People’s infamous song. What many may not know is that the Y, ...
Rob has had several guests on the show to talk about the work they are doing with diversity, equity and inclusion. Today’s guest is ...
Personality tests have existed for centuries, yet many leaders are still surprised by how insightful and beneficial understanding your personality type can be to ...
Rob’s guests today are Shelley Hoss, president and CEO of OCCF for nearly 22 years, and Tammy Tumbling, the first-ever Executive Vice President and ...
Racial equality and social justice are nothing new however they have become one of the most prominent conversations we are having now when it ...
Recruiters across the country have been feeling the pressure of the “great reshuffle” since COVID. They are relying on their existing networks to find ...
For years, one of the most effective ways a nonprofit could raise money was through large in person fundraising events. However, fast forward to ...
Nonprofit mergers are a trend that is increasing more and more, especially since COVID first started. Are mergers the wave of the future? Although ...
Donors don’t give to organizations, they give to people. Fundraising at its core is relationship building. When a donor gives to your organization, they’re ...
Previous episodes on achieving a healthy work-life balance discussed the importance of setting a pace and seeing your life as a movie. This is ...
Have you watched the film Poverty, Inc.? If you haven’t watched the film, it’s worth viewing, even if you disagree with its premise and ...
Do you know why you do what you do? This is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself and your team. ...
The great resignation is a very real thing and it’s impacting all of us. Nonprofits are feeling the pressure of staying competitive to keep ...
Whether you are an executive director, CEO, board member, or staff member of a nonprofit, it’s important that everyone works to grow the organization, ...
Nonprofit speaker and blogger Vu Le recently wrote an article that was all about our “toxic obsession with productivity,” and in that article, he ...
One of the biggest challenges for nonprofit leaders today is how to balance being high tech while remaining “high touch”. In other words, how ...
How do you create a healthy work-life balance? When you hear the phrase, healthy work-life balance, what goes through your mind? Do you think ...
Across the world, many people are familiar with the name Bono, the lead singer of the internationally famous band U2, but not everyone knows ...
Your nonprofit’s team is your greatest competitive advantage. We don’t often use those terms in the nonprofit sector, but the sentiment is true for ...
Growing a nonprofit takes more than just passion and creativity: it takes great leadership. The right leadership skills will help guide your organization effectively ...
When it comes to those who hold the most power in a nonprofit or a company, most people assume it’s the CEO or Executive ...
Leading and motivating staff is a difficult job for every leader, especially the CEO or Executive Director of an organization. Staff communication, staff conflict ...
When it comes to nonprofits, is working together really better? For two of our country’s largest nonprofits, the answer is yes. Big Brothers and ...
When it comes to nonprofits, is working together really better? For two of our country’s largest nonprofits, the answer is yes. Big Brothers and ...
Too often, nonprofits think they’re the cause that the community wants to support. But nonprofits are not the cause. They’re the conduit for the ...
Change is the one constant in our world, and most of us reluctantly acknowledged this truth perhaps never more than this past year. We ...
Our world continues to change in so many areas, particularly in regards to technology, and specifically, smart tech. Smart tech is not just changing ...
20 years ago, at what she thought was the height of her career, Virginia Jacko was diagnosed with a condition that caused her to ...
Did you know that on average, most nonprofit leaders and organizations are only tapping into 13% of their current donors’ potential? In other words, ...
There’s no doubt that we’ve moved into a new normal in our culture in the wake of the COVID pandemic. How should we lead ...
When it comes to leadership, is there a difference between leading in the nonprofit sector versus the for-profit sector? Or are the principles of ...
Passion and dedication is the fuel that nonprofits run on. When you find an individual, whether that be a paid staff, person or volunteer ...
Did you know that we’re heading into an unprecedented wealth transfer? It’s been said that within the next few decades, as much as 68 ...
How do you manage a global nonprofit organization during a pandemic in such a way that not only maintains your current programs, but actually ...
Everything you see at the White House, the furnishings, artwork and artifacts are all maintained by a nonprofit. The White House Historical Association is ...
Cryptocurrency is all the rage in many ways right now, but there still remains a lot of skepticism about the long term sustainability of ...
Cryptocurrency is here to stay and it’s coming to a nonprofit near you. Understandably, many of you might be very skeptical when it comes ...
Having passion and being mission-driven does not necessarily guarantee that you will be successful when starting or growing a nonprofit. It takes a lot ...
One goal of this show is to introduce you to leaders who are providing not just good products and services, but are providing those ...
There’s an art to fundraising but there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach for effective fundraising. At the same time, however, there is a science to ...
One of the pandemic’s biggest impacts on society has been on children’s social and emotional skills. All of the time spent in remote school ...
Every nonprofit needs to have an effective digital presence in today’s world. But how do you go about building your digital presence and what ...
This is the third installment of the Emerging Leader Series featuring young, emerging nonprofit leaders who really want to invest their lives into making ...
Do you struggle with how best to advocate for those you serve? So do many in the nonprofit sector. Today’s guest, Joanne Goldblum of ...
Telling your story as a nonprofit leader is absolutely critical and perhaps one of the most important aspects of your job as an Executive ...
It’s been 18 months since COVID first began to sweep across America. Guests on this show have shared their insights as to what they ...
This is the second episode of the Emerging Young Leaders Series about young emerging nonprofit leaders who really want to invest their lives into ...
Leadership is hard, period. What can make it even more difficult is when those in leadership positions leave and a new staff person has ...
Funding is absolutely critical for all nonprofits and there’s a growing group of investors who want to invest in organizations and people who are ...
Good to Great by Jim Collins is a fantastic leadership book that discusses how great companies each have a common trait of finding a ...
Almost everyone is familiar with the YMCA, especially because of the Village People’s infamous song. But many don’t know that the Y, with all ...
Diversity, equity and inclusion are on the hearts and minds of every nonprofit leader today. After the events of last year, we started having ...
The relationship between a nonprofit’s board and a nonprofit’s staff can often become the demise of many nonprofits. To start a healthy relationship for ...
Marketing is an area nonprofit leaders tend to underestimate when it comes to the impact effective marketing can have. What is the best model ...
Just like the US, Brazil was hit really hard with COVID, and the Lemann Foundation was instrumental in forming a coalition of leaders to ...
Every little swimmers’ goal is to stand on that podium at the Olympics, but it all starts with that first jump in the water ...
You may have noticed a slow return to normal occurring, and with that return comes the opportunity to reflect back on this past year ...
Social enterprises are surging, more B Corps are being formed and many large corporations now have a social impact arm. All of this has ...
2020 skyrocketed the move to online giving for all donors who give to nonprofits. Organizations who already had a clear and robust process for ...
Ever wondered who makes sure your nonprofit’s website works as it should? Or who makes sure that when someone types in your nonprofit’s web ...
When you hear the phrase “healthy work-life balance”, what goes through your mind? That it’s impossible or possibly just a myth? Or perhaps you know ...
There is no doubt today, especially after this last year, that the first place people find out about your organization is through your website. ...
Ever wondered how philanthropy and charity first began? The answer may surprise you! The Greek roots for the word “philanthropy” refer to the “love ...
Although racial injustice and social equity issues have existed in our country for years, it seems as if 2020 was the year where we ...
Everyone knows Google by name, but not many people are aware of its social impact through its philanthropic arm, Google.org. Rob’s guest shares how ...
The newest feature of the show aims to highlight young leaders making a difference in their world. Rob’s guest shares what inspired her to ...
In 2015, Comic Relief US launched the Red Nose Day campaign to raise awareness and end child poverty. Rob’s guest explains how COVID impacted ...
Nonprofits are sometimes created in celebration while others are caused by grief. Rob’s guest shares the aha moment that led her to leave her ...
Even before the Pandemic, fundraising presented a challenge to most nonprofits. Thankfully, Rob’s guest shares tools and resources to help your organization improve your ...
The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly forced most nonprofit leaders to reexamine their infrastructure and future viability. Rob’s guest in this episode will explain how ...
Racial equality and social justice are nothing new however they have become one of the most prominent conversations we are having now when it ...
Personality tests have existed for centuries, yet many leaders are still surprised by how insightful and beneficial understanding your personality type can be to ...
When was the last time you evaluated your leadership culture? Every organization has a culture, a “DNA” that is unique to that organization. Typically, ...
Imagination, storytelling and living with a sense of wonder may not be the first skills that come to mind when describing a nonprofit leader. ...
The current Pandemic has certainly affected all of us, but there’s no denying that it has affected nonprofits quite deeply, throwing into question how ...
The current Pandemic has certainly affected all of us, but there’s no denying that it has affected nonprofits quite deeply, throwing into question how ...
Kathy LeMay is back for part 2 of her interview about the state of philanthropy for today’s nonprofits. As a published author and sought-after ...
Development and fundraising for nonprofits are always a challenge. Perhaps one of the hardest things we face. Now, COVID-19 has made development even more ...
Servant leadership is a style of leadership that makes the primary goal of leadership to serve those around oneself. A servant leader is one ...
Nonprofits are always facing unique challenges, but since COVID-19 hit the world, they are facing financial challenges like never before. Rob’s guest today is ...
Maybe the most unfortunate part about COVID-19 has been its reach. This pandemic is a global one and because of that, people all over ...
COVID-19 has wrecked the main source of donations for many nonprofits, that being, in-person fundraising events. How are nonprofit leaders meeting this challenge head-on? ...
Ask yourself this question: do I consider a company’s stance on various issues before I decide to purchase its product or service? Rob’s guest ...
In the midst of a world pandemic, it is more necessary than ever for nonprofit leadership in the United States to be creative with ...
Becoming an advocate for the most vulnerable often means that you will have to get out of your comfort zone. Rob’s guest on this ...
As we all make our way through this pandemic, it has been quite obvious that those hardest hit have been our seniors. Rob’s guest ...
Right now, everything seems to be in a constant state of fluidity. How are nonprofit leaders supposed to guide their organizations through these constantly ...
There are so many challenges in our world today, whether they be economic, social, political, or otherwise. Additionally, there is a growing divisiveness in ...
What happens when your company takes off but your rise to success is so rapid that it threatens to blow up your life? Rob’s ...
Advocacy can be somewhat of a mine field in the nonprofit sector. There are many questions about how much an organization can do and ...
The landscape has shifted under our feet over the last three months. First the global pandemic of COVID-19 has directly impacted both donors and ...
On average, there are 20 victims of physical violence every minute by an intimate partner, which equates to over 10 million women and men ...
Though most states around the country are beginning to reopen, we are in a time as a country and as a world where we ...
The world is ablaze with COVID-19, and that seems to be all that we see on the news. It’s easy to forget about the ...
All of us have people who inspire us. We need people in our lives who inspire us. My guest today will not only inspire you, but ...
What a year last week has been, right? The world has undergone a change that most people have never seen in their lifetime! In ...
Not enough can be said about the impact that arts education can have on developing motor skills, the ability to be creative, visual spacial ...
Rob is joined today by Dr. David N. Hempton, the dean of the Harvard Divinity School. David is an award-winning author and a social ...
Most often on this show, Rob features leaders in the nonprofit sector, such as Executive Directors/CEO’s of Nonprofits, Authors, and Researchers. This episode features ...
Every little swimmers’ goal is to stand on that podium at the Olympics, but it all starts with that first jump in the water ...
There are so many different challenges facing the nonprofit sector today. One of those is how nonprofit organizations can recruit and retain millennials for ...
Many politicians will say that children are our future, but when push comes to shove, how many really invest what is needed to make ...
One of the most important parts of being a great leader is having an innate ability to solve both simple and complex problems. Rob’s ...
The challenges facing today’s society are so large that nonprofits alone cannot solve them. That is why it is so important for nonprofit leaders ...
When it comes to sustaining long-term success for nonprofits, planned giving is a critical component. Designating nonprofits in your will is one of the ...
Mission creep can happen to the best of nonprofit organizations. In particular, when nonprofits are seeking funding, the risk of mission creep becomes higher. ...
Running the largest social services nonprofit organization in the largest city in the United States is incredibly rewarding, but it is no walk in ...
There is nothing scarier in this world than change, because what we are often most afraid of is the unknown. How do you summon ...
Unfortunately, cancer is something that impacts each and every one of us, whether it be through your parents, siblings, friends, etc. Qualtrics is a ...
How can we as individuals and a society help break down the systemic barriers that keep different economic and social groups in a cycle ...
Rob truly believes that inside each and every one of us, there is a desire to make the world a better place. The only ...
There are so many challenges in our world today, whether they be economic, social, political, or otherwise. Additionally, there is a growing divisiveness in ...
What is adversity if not someone’s attempt to write our story for us? How do you break out of the story that someone has ...
How many of you remember recess as being your highlight of the day back in elementary school? Would you be surprised to learn that ...
Leadership is talked about all the time, in books, podcasts, blogs and conferences. How do you become a leader that others would want to ...
With 1.5 million nonprofits in the U.S. vying for the attention and generosity of the public, there are a whole lot of changemakers crying ...
What if your Wall Street investments could actually be used for social good?One nonprofit is actually doing just that. My guest today is Ethan Powell, CEO ...
How would the fact that there are over 2,200 billionaires in today’s world, who have a collective worth of $9 trillion impact how you ...
Many of us who lead Nonprofits are seeking to meet people’s needs who are facing extremely difficult challenges. So how do we as leaders continue to ...
Diversity and inclusion are buzz words today in both the for-profit and nonprofit worlds. But what exactly do those two words mean when it ...
There are so many books about leadership. Many books are about new skills you can learn, bad habits to unlearn or new perspectives to ...
Ever wondered what happened to the Muscular Dystrophy Association after Jerry Lewis?Years after the annual telethons hosted by the famous Jerry Lewis, who served as the ...
Today’s guest will give us some incredibly inspiring stories about how her organization is ending tropical diseases. My guest is Ellen Agler who serves ...
All of us have people who inspire us. We need people in our lives who inspire us. My guest today will not only inspire you, but ...
The power of a clear vision. We talk a lot about vision on this show. My guest today leads an organization that has really ...
Did you know that the PGA TOUR generated $190 million for more than 3,000 nonprofit charities last year alone? I think that will come ...
Leadership is the secret sauce to all effective organizations, nonprofit or otherwise. How to consistently grow as a leader is one of the most ...
Social change is far more complicated than simply creating a new app. It requires intentionality, listening and collaboration. But change is slow. What if we ...
Beth Kanter is my guest on today’s show. Beth has been named one of the most influential women in technology by Fast Company and is the award-winning ...
Risk is a four-letter word for many in the social sector and the nonprofit world. Inadequate planning for risk has derailed many social impact ...
What has made the New York City Marathon the largest and arguably the most successful race in the country? Hint: It has a lot ...
Organizations live or die on leadership. As the leader goes, so goes the organization. My guest on the show today knows about the critical nature ...
There is no doubt that we are living in a world where technology is ever changing. Keeping up with latest software, newest ap, and ...
What is the most effective strategy to alleviate poverty? My guest today would answer that very simply: Create Jobs. He would go on to say, ...
Fundraising and Social Media: Whatever you think of social media, one thing we all know is that social media is ubiquitous in our culture. ...
Each year, nonprofit boards of every type, large and small, have to deal with succession. Specifically, bringing in a successor to the founder of ...
What is the future of education? Is there a new skill set that students should be learning today to be successful? Specifically with the ...
Can you imagine a country once infested with malaria, to be declared malaria-free? This is exactly what is happening around the globe. Thanks to ...
What emerges in your mind when it comes to Native Americans in our country? Today’s guest has been working with the Navajo Native American ...
Diversity on Nonprofit Boards – According to a survey by BoardSource, a research and support organization for nonprofit boards, 25% of boards are all ...
Cancer. Many of us, if not all of us, know someone very close who has faced or is facing cancer. How to care for ...
Hope: There are few other words more important than hope. It can make the difference between overcoming or being overcome, moving forward or shrinking ...
Branding. For many Nonprofit leaders, this is a topic that seems out of place for the Nonprofit sector and more applicable to the for-profit ...
The featured organization on my show today is one of my favorite nonprofits, charity: water. They have funded over 28,000 water projects, bringing clean ...
My guest today is Jacob Allen, Partner with Cicero Group and Managing Director of the Social Impact practice. Jacob partners with leading foundations, nonprofits, ...
The opportunity to tell your story through quality video is priceless. However, for many nonprofits, the ability to do so on a consistent basis ...
Our guest today is Amberlie Phillips, Chief Development Officer at YWCA Utah, Salt Lake City. She was selected through a highly competitive process to participate ...
Finding adequate funding for one’s nonprofit is an ever present challenge. How can you as a Nonprofit leader find the right grants and create ...
Donors don’t give to a nonprofit, they give through a nonprofit to a cause, need or program they really care about. Brian Lauterbach is the Vice President of Programs for Network ...
With the growth of Social Impact among For-Profit companies, many nonprofit leaders are beginning to wonder: Are these social impact companies directly competing with ...
Managing risk is not exactly the first topic Nonprofit leaders want to talk about. In fact for many people, risk is a four-letter word. ...
How many of you would like an invitation to actually be a part of your favorite Sports Team? College or Pro? Where you literally ...
Many of you have heard of Coach Tom Coughlin as a Super Bowl-winning NFL coach. Did you know that he also started his own nonprofit? ...
Kathleen Kelly Janus is an award-winning social entrepreneur, author and lecturer at Stanford University. As an expert on philanthropy, millennial engagement and scaling early ...
Every CEO or Executive Director knows that “vision leaks” and therefore it is critical to cast vision over and over again to your team. ...
With the rise of the Millennial generation as the next wave of philanthropists, do you as a nonprofit leader know what makes these Millennials ...
Are you ready for the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in history? As a nonprofit leader, will you view this as an opportunity to ...
How do you unlock the fundraising conundrum? How can you utilize your website to be a one-stop donation portal? Our guest on today’s show ...
What would you do if your father had a heart attack, and he was living thousands of miles away in a different country, and ...
Our guest this week is Dr. Edward Alvarez. He is not only a top NYC cosmetic dentist in NYC, but he has made it ...
What does it take to set up the first Peace Summit in Space? Our guest this week on the Nonprofit Leadership Show is ...
Many of you may not know that I’m the father of three daughters. As such, I am regularly helping them navigate through various options for ...
I received some “fan” email not long ago, from a Nonprofit organization who commented to me how much they love the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast ...
Did you know that up to 10,000 Nepali women and girls are trafficked to India and exploited each year? Most are illiterate. Hear from ...
Should Nonprofits be worried about cyber attacks? If so, what can they do to protect themselves from such attacks? Today’s podcast is all about ...
How does a for-profit business support nonprofits most effectively? Can a for-profit business have a vibrant and sustainable social enterprise impact? This week’s guest ...
This week’s guest on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast is Vanessa Wakeman. Since launching The Wakeman Agency in 2003, she has been recognized as a champion for ...
Nuzzles and Co.‘s President of their Board of Directors, Kathleen Toth, joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! They are a non-profit organization ...
The Fundraising Coach joins us on today’s podcast! I was honored to interview well-known speaker and author Marc A. Pitman, known around the country ...
Katie Leonberger, President and CEO of Community Resource Exchange, joins us on today’s Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! Katie shares with us not only some great leadership ...
Welcome to the Nonprofit Profit Leadership Podcast, Making Your World Better. Our guest today is Zach Shefska is the Director of the Fundraising Report Card. ...
President of Fuller Seminary, Dr. Mark Labberton, joins us on today’s Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. Dr. Labberton brings to his role a deep awareness of ...
Three-time Olympian, Elizabeth Beisel, joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! Elizabeth starting swimming at the age of 5 and became an Olympian at ...
Charity Charge is a social enterprise on a mission to empower people and corporations to fund the causes they care about simply by using ...
Schone Malliet is the Chairman of The National Winter Sports Education Foundation as well as the Chairman And CEO of the National Winter Activity ...
Heather McLeod Grant, co-founder of Open Impact and a social entrepreneur, author, and consultant with 25 years of experience in social change is our ...
Author Liana Downey is my guest on this week’s Podcast. Liana is an internationally acclaimed strategic advisor dedicated to creating social change. As executive ...
Fundraising author, Mary Valloni, joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast to talk about her new book, Fundraising Freedom. Is Fundraising one of ...
Columbus Community Center‘s CEO, Kristy Chambers, joins us on this week’s Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. CCC is a nonprofit based in Salt Lake Columbus that supports ...
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s (Utah and Idaho chapter) Executive Director, Laura Hadley, is our guest for this week’s Nonprofit Leadership Podcast show is Laura Hadley. ...
Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Debra Vizzi, joins us on today’s Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! Debra talks all about “Giving Tuesday” and how her organization has ...
The Hope Alliance has a new Executive Director, Kim Wolf. She is my guest on this week’s Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. Kim will talk about: “Becoming ...
Thrive Network Founder and CEO, Charles A. Montorio-Archer, and now President and CEO of One Hope United, joins us on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. Charles is ...
Virtuous CEO, Gabe Cooper, joins us on today’s Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! The topic of today’s show is: “How can nonprofits use technology and predictive ...
Sundance Institute joins us for today’s Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! What a privilege it was to interview Kara Cody, Assistant Director of Utah Community and ...
Summit Community Gardens Executive Director, Ken Kullack, joins us in the studio to tell us more about the Community Gardens. Ken is a recent transplant ...
Rayvan Group founder, Jarrett Ransom, joins us on today’s podcast! Jarrett has a fascinating story that includes her overcoming significant odds of which she ...
Kostopulos Dream Foundation’s CEO, Mircea Divricean, is featured on today’s Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! Mircea Divricean is not only a friend of mine, a fellow board ...
Community Foundation of Utah‘s Executive Director, Alex Eaton, joins us on today’s Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. Alex brings over 20 years of for-profit and nonprofit leadership experience ...
Universal Giving‘s CEO, Pamela Hawley, joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. Pamela is an award-winning, nonprofit leader who helps people to donate ...
Pathways Associates‘ Founding Partner, Dave Jones, is our guest on this week’s episode. Pathways Associates is a multi-disciplinary team of consultants based in Salt Lake City. Dave will ...
Springville Museum of Art‘s Executive Director, Rita Wright, joins us on today’s show to talk about the important of trust within a nonprofit organization.
People's Health Clinic Medical Director and Clinic Founder, John Hanrahan, joins us on today's show in Park City, Utah!
Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter‘s Executive Director, Nell Larson, joins us on today’s show! In this interview, Nell shares about how Swaner is organized. It ...
CCPC‘s Latino Community Coordinator, Max Ventura, is featured in our latest Podcast. In this interview, you will hear all about the trends in Park ...
United Way of Salt Lake CEO, Bill Crim, joins us today in Park City, Utah to discuss the practical application of collaborative impact.
Utah Nonprofits Association’s CEO, Kate Rubalcava, joins us on our latest podcast on Nonprofit Leadership!
Paws For Life Utah’s Cathy Boruch and Lisa Allison join us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! Not only are you going to learn about Paws ...
University of Utah’s Masters of Public Administration Professor, and founder of their Nonprofit concentration, Dr. Steve Ott joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. Additionally, Steve ...
Utah Office of Multicultural Affairs Director, Claudia Nakano, joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. In this show, she brings a unique perspective on ...
National Ability Center‘s Executive Director, Gail Loveland, joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! In this episode, Gail talks about their success in collaborating ...
Holding Out H.E.L.P.‘s Executive Director, Tonia Tewell, joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! Tonia is a dynamic leader dedicated to assisting those from ...
Summit Land Conservancy‘s Executive Director, Cheryl Fox, joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! Cheryl tells us how to create greater collective impact through ...
Alf Engen Ski Museum’s Executive Director, Connie Nelson, joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!
Spy Hop’s Executive Director, Kasandra Verbrugghen, joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! Spy Hop is a nonprofit based in Salt Lake City whose ...
In this podcast, Rob interviews Maddy Shear – a nonprofit consultant that coordinates nonprofit roundtables in Park City, Utah. Maddy shares with us her ...
Today in the studio we have Trisha Worthington. I think you’ll really enjoy today’s podcast with this incredible nonprofit leader. She talks about the ...
Park City Foundation’s Executive Director, Katie Wright, joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! Katie joined The Park City Foundation team in February ...
Kimball Arts Center’s Executive Director, Robin Marrouche, joins us today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast! In this podcast, Rob Harter interviews Robin about what ...