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!
How to Grow Your Organization by Being Relentlessly Committed to Your Brand
Aug 31, 2025
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.
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!
How to Make This Your Best Giving Season Yet
Aug 26, 2025
Seb Boyer
In 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
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!
Smart Ways to Boost Your Year-End Giving
Aug 17, 2025
Brittan Stockert
In 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
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!
How Can Nonprofits Successfully Approach Foundations
Aug 10, 2025
Alex Amouyel
In 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
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!
How Can You Maximize AI for Good?
Aug 03, 2025
Adam Boddison
In 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
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!
It’s Not Just Passion But Your Patterns That Move Your Organization Forward
Jul 27, 2025
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
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!
How Uncertainty Is Impacting Nonprofit Leaders’ Confidence and Decision-Making
Jul 21, 2025
Kelly Kienzle
In 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
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!
Should You Focus on Team Development More Than Individual Development?
Jul 13, 2025
Bob Searle
In 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
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!
How to Recruit and Keep the Team You Need
Jul 06, 2025
William Vanderbloemen
Rob 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
Are Fractional Leaders the Solution to Your Staffing Issues?
Jun 29, 2025
Cindy Wagman
In 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
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!
How this social impact leader is using data and technology to improve the foster care system
Jun 22, 2025
Ben Sand
In 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
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 is the nonprofit that Matt Damon co-founded?
Jun 16, 2025
Vedika Bhandarkar
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. 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.
Are Relationships at the Core of Your Nonprofit?
Jun 08, 2025
Rabbi Joanna Samuels
In 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
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!
How to Become a Savvy Fundraiser
Jun 01, 2025
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.
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
How to Focus Your Time on Strategically Meaningful Work
May 25, 2025
Sophie Blondeau
In 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
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!
Why Your Team May Be Having a Buy-in Problem
May 19, 2025
Dave Garrison
In 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
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!
From One Caregiver’s Search to a National Movement: The Story of the National MS Society
May 12, 2025
Tim Coetzee
In 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
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!
How to Unlock the Power of Storytelling for Your Nonprofit
May 04, 2025
Vanessa Lockshin
In 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
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!
Leadership as a “Sacred Experience”
Apr 27, 2025
Dan Tocchini
In 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
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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How Your Nonprofit Can Build Trust Over Time with Anthony Kennedy Shriver
Apr 20, 2025
Anthony Kennedy Shriver
In 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
This NBA Player’s Legacy is Helping People All Over the World
Apr 13, 2025
Bob Bush, co-founder of Mutombo Coffee
In 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
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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How This Nonprofit Has Leveraged Hollywood’s Influence to Drive Social Change
Apr 07, 2025
Debbie Levin
In 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
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!
Why Passion is Not Always Enough
Mar 30, 2025
David Rhode
In 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
Suggestions for the show? Email us at: nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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Leading a Multigenerational Organization: Strategies for Success Across Five Generations
Mar 24, 2025
David Robbins
In 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
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!
Empowering Students Through Education: How One Nonprofit is Expanding Access for Those Affected by Poverty
Mar 17, 2025
Yoon Choi
In 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
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!
How to Bring More Innovation to Your Organization
Mar 09, 2025
Leah Kral
Innovation 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
*Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
*Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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How the Hilton Foundation Is Addressing Homelessness in LA
Mar 02, 2025
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.
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!
How This Food Bank is Helping to Reduce Food Insecurity
Feb 24, 2025
Eric Hodel
In 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
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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How to Enhance Your Nonprofit’s Marketing and Fundraising Efforts
Feb 16, 2025
Jesse Lane
In 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
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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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!
How to Create the Culture You Need to Succeed
Feb 10, 2025
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.
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!
How This Nonprofit in Spain is Seeking to Impact Their Country and Beyond
Feb 02, 2025
Javier Lezcano
In 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
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!
How to balance compensation and meaning
Jan 27, 2025
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
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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The Challenges of Accessing Funding for Scale
Jan 20, 2025
Mohamed Osman
In 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
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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How to Both Empower People and Encourage Self-Reliance
Jan 12, 2025
Stephane Aoki
In 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.
–Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
–Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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What Does It Take to Mobilize Gen Z into Changemakers?
Jan 06, 2025
George Tsiatis
In 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.
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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How Nonprofit Collaboration Increases Impact
Dec 23, 2024
Africa Mission Healthcare
In 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.
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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An Update from the CEO of Rotary
Dec 16, 2024
John Hewko
In 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.
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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How is AI Changing Medical Research?
Dec 08, 2024
Dr. Kristen Brown
In 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
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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What’s the Future of AI for the Nonprofit Sector?
Dec 01, 2024
Ben Miller
Artificial 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
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
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https://donorbox.org/?ref=nmu4ndh
How to Use Innovation for Positive Change
Nov 24, 2024
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
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
Subscribe and Share
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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.
In 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.
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, Amazon, Google Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Your Retention Starts with Your Recruitment Process
Nov 11, 2024
Mariya Yurukova
In 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.
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, Amazon, Google Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!
Why aiming for a stress-free childhood is not ideal
Nov 03, 2024
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.
Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com
How to Measure the Impact of Your Programs
Oct 28, 2024
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.
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.
How Massachusetts is Seeking to Make Hunger History
Oct 20, 2024
Erin McAleer
What 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.
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.”
How to Become a Savvy Fundraiser
Oct 13, 2024
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.
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.
Nonprofits…we need a rebrand
Oct 06, 2024
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.
What does it take to turn around a struggling nonprofit?
Sep 29, 2024
Armando Contreras
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 to support individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, along with its plans to celebrate the organization’s 75th anniversary.
Rob’s guest, Armando Contreras, explains how UCP has evolved over the past 75 years to provide vital services to individuals with disabilities, including therapies, early intervention, and employment support. He also shares inspiring stories of how UCP’s programs have transformed lives, helping people with disabilities achieve independence. Armando reflects on the key decisions that helped UCP become sustainable again.
Armando’s vision for the future of UCP includes expanding advocacy efforts, integrating new technologies and early detection tools for cerebral palsy, and empowering people with disabilities to take the lead in advocacy efforts. He emphasizes the importance of continuing to adapt to meet the changing needs of individuals with disabilities and their families.
If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
If you would like a sample coaching session, email rob@robharter.com
Quick Summary:
In this episode, Rob Harter interviews Armando Contreras, the President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), celebrating the organization’s 75th anniversary. They discuss the significant milestones UCP has achieved, transformative stories of individuals impacted by their services, and the leadership strategies that turned around the organization during financial challenges. Armando highlights the importance of building a network of affiliates, addressing the challenges families face, and the future role of UCP in leveraging technology and advocacy for the disability community.
Takeaways
UCP has evolved from institutional care to inclusive community support.
Early intervention is key to improving outcomes for children with disabilities.
Transformative stories highlight the miracles achieved through UCP’s services.
Leadership requires making tough decisions for organizational sustainability.
Building trust with affiliates is crucial for a nonprofit’s success.
UCP provides vital services not only for cerebral palsy but also for other conditions.
Collaboration with other organizations enhances resource availability for families.
Advocacy is essential for addressing outdated laws affecting individuals with disabilities.
Technology plays a significant role in early detection and assistive devices.
UCP is committed to empowering self-advocates to share their stories.
Quotes
“75 years of significant milestones!”
“Families say their child will never walk.”
“We were heading towards bankruptcy.”
What one organization is doing to address our growing mental health crisis
Sep 23, 2024
Lindsay Kolsch
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, this conversation highlights the importance of mental health awareness, breaking stigma, and providing resources to those in need.
Rob’s guest, Lindsay Kolsch, delves into the origin of the organization’s unique name, which stems from a personal story shared by the founder, Jamie Tworkowski. The conversation explores TWLOHA’s approach to connecting people with mental health resources and providing scholarships for counseling services. Lindsay also touches on the challenges of mental health access, particularly in underserved areas, and how her organization is working to eliminate barriers for those in need. Additionally, they discuss how mental health issues are particularly affecting young people and the role of community support in creating long-term change.
Lindsay’s experience as Co-Executive Director highlights how shared leadership can prevent burnout and foster collaboration in nonprofit organizations. She explains how the co-executive model has benefited their team by leveraging diverse skill sets and maintaining a clear focus on the organization’s mission.
Takeaways -The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of teenagers, leading to an increase in panic attacks and a lack of access to mental health care providers. -Mental health literacy programs in schools can help create a supportive environment for discussing mental health and provide resources for teenagers in need. -The internet can be both a source of support and a dark place for teenagers seeking mental health care, highlighting the need for safe and accessible resources. -The co-executive director approach in nonprofit organizations can prevent burnout and provide a collaborative leadership structure that supports the mission and impact of the organization. titles
“As COVID sort of reshaped that landscape, I think there was a huge fallout. There was a huge increase of teens experiencing panic attacks.” “Teens have access to care because the internet is also can be a very dark place.” “Here are some skills that I actually need to develop for resilience. Here are some skills I need for emotional regulation.”
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/
If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
How Petco is impacting the lives of both pets and humans
Sep 15, 2024
Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love
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. Petco Love was founded in 1999 and they serve as a leader and partner in animal welfare. The organization’s mission is to create a better world for animals and the people who love and need them. Petco Love does this by empowering animal welfare organizations by investing $330 million in adoption and other life saving efforts.
Susanne explains the large impact that pets have on our lives as individuals and as a community. She shares that Petco Love is committed to ending unnecessary euthanasia on pets, and will be granting $15 million in investments to animal welfare partners across the US. Susanne believes that growing pains are necessary when an organization is faced with changes, and leaders must recognize and communicate both the challenges and benefits to their team. She also shares why it is so important to constantly look at the efforts of similar nonprofits, when figuring out what lane your organization is best suited for. Susanne describes two very important projects that Petco Love started. One is to help lost pets find their families and the other is to to help prevent pets from getting deadly and costly diseases. Finally, she explains the various ways that Petco Love seeks to be an advocacy organization for pets.
How government agencies and nonprofits can work together effectively
Sep 08, 2024
Kathleen Kelly Janus
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 sustainable social change.
Rob’s guest, Kathleen Kelly Janus, is the former Senior Advisor on Social Innovation for the State of California. During her time in this role, she led over 50 public-private partnerships that mobilized $4.2 billion in funding and brought resources to address some of California’s most pressing social challenges. One of her most notable achievements is the development of Project Home Key, which provided thousands of housing units for the homeless during the pandemic.
Kathleen Kelly, a social innovation expert, explains the importance of public-private partnerships in creating scalable impact. She highlights how projects like Home Key and Returning Home Well demonstrate the power of collaboration between government, nonprofits, and private businesses. Kathleen Kelly shares valuable lessons learned from these initiatives, including the importance of relationship-building, leadership buy-in, and addressing real problems. She also discusses how these partnerships can serve as models for other states and nonprofits to follow in maximizing their social impact.
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
Summary
Kathleen Kelly Janus discusses the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing social challenges. She shares her experience as California’s first senior advisor on social innovation and highlights the impact of partnerships in addressing issues like affordable housing and reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Janus emphasizes the need for nonprofits and government agencies to build relationships, have buy-in from leadership, and address real problems in order to create successful partnerships. She also discusses the barriers to effective partnerships, including the lack of infrastructure in government. Overall, Janus advocates for nonprofits to be more purposeful in building bridges with government to maximize their impact.
Takeaways
Public-private partnerships are essential in addressing social challenges and maximizing impact.
Building relationships and having buy-in from leadership are crucial for successful partnerships.
Partnerships should focus on addressing real problems and communicating their impact.
Nonprofits and government agencies need to work together and be proactive in creating partnerships.
The lack of infrastructure in government can be a barrier to effective partnerships
Quotes
“Chipping away at these problems little by little isn’t going to achieve the kind of scale that we want and need.” “The pandemic forced us to be innovative because we had no choice.” “We can build housing faster, cheaper, smarter.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:48 California’s Project Home Key: Converting Properties into Permanent Housing
11:23 Lessons Learned and Effective Partnerships
15:38 Barriers to Effective Partnerships
18:58 How Nonprofits Can Work Better with Government and For-Profit Partners
20:45 Building Infrastructure for Partnerships
Hear how three emerging Gen Z leaders are making their world better
Sep 01, 2024
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.
Dylan Zajac
Sienna, Robbie, and Dylan were each recipients of The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards in 2023. The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize young changemakers who have made a significant impact in leading initiatives that embody the values of “tikkun olam,” which means “repairing the world” in the Hebrew language.
These three Gen Z leaders describe the mission behind their respective nonprofit organizations and what the biggest challenges have been in starting a nonprofit at such a young age. Robbie, founder of Kiddo Byte, shares how his biggest challenge has been to find quality instructors who can teach computer science in a fun and exciting way. Sienna, founder of the Refugee Empowerment Project, explains that her biggest challenge when starting was establishing credibility as a high-schooler and trying to convince larger organizations to partner with her. Dylan, founder of Computers 4 People, believes that the biggest challenge when starting is taking an idea and turning it into a sustainable nonprofit.
Robbie Khazan
Each leader also addresses the misconception that Generation Z is full of coddled individuals who struggle with attention and resilience. They believe the misconception stems from the fact that this generation grew up in the digital age and thus, is the largest consumers of social media content. They also share great advice for other nonprofit leaders on how to recruit and retain Gen Z staff and volunteers. Finally, Sienna, Robbie, and Dylan share what they believe are the biggest challenges facing their generation today and their hopes for the future.
How to improve your organization’s recruitment and retention
Aug 25, 2024
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, is the Founder and CEO of Vanderbloemen. His company specializes in helping churches, schools, and nonprofits find leaders who fit their mission and culture. Vanderbloemen’s mission is to help teams not just fill a position, but build leadership that will last for the long haul.
William explains the importance of creating a strong organizational culture and emphasizes that this culture should be clear and intentional from the start. He believes that organizations need to adapt to changing environments while staying true to their core values. William shares that hiring the right people is not just about filling a role, but finding individuals who are aligned with the mission of the organization. He adds that it’s important for leaders to clearly explain to potential staff members, what makes their organization unique. William touches on the critical role of clear communication in leadership. If leaders seek honest feedback from their staff, then they must develop a culture of giving and asking for feedback regularly. Finally, he believes that resilience and flexibility are key traits for leaders to develop in order to navigate the challenges of today’s world.
William Vanderbloemen discusses the importance of recruitment and retention in the nonprofit sector. He shares his experience starting Vanderbloemen, a cause-based search firm, and 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 theculturtool.com to assess and improve culture. In this conversation, Dr. Rob Harter and William Vanderbloemen 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.”
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
How one nonprofit is changing the future of underserved students
Aug 18, 2024
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, is the Executive Director of Con Mi MADRE, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Latina girls and their loved ones through education and emotional support. The organization’s mission is to ensure these young women achieve higher education and are well-prepared for the workforce, supported by their families throughout the process.
Johanna explains how her background in higher education and her passion for impacting youth, led her to transition into nonprofit leadership. She shares how Con Mi MADRE’s dual-generation approach supports both the students and their loved ones, fostering a deep connection that drives academic and personal success. Johanna believes in the importance of addressing both the social-emotional and academic needs of students, starting from middle school through college. She also describes how the program includes workshops, college visits, and a leadership series that helps students and parents alike. Johanna emphasizes the significance of building long-term relationships with the families they serve, which is key to achieving an impressive college persistence rate. She also highlights the organization’s commitment to cultural affirmation, ensuring that students can embrace their full identity as they pursue their professional goals. Finally, Johanna discusses the impact of Con Mi MADRE’s annual gala awards event, which celebrates community leaders and raises funds for the organization.
Dr. Johanna Moya Fábregas, the executive director of Con Mi Madre, shares her journey from a career in education to leading a nonprofit organization. Con Mi Madre is a dual-generation program that supports girls in sixth through twelfth grade and their mothers or a loving adult in their family. The program focuses on social-emotional support and academic preparation to help students achieve a post-secondary degree and be prepared for the workforce. They provide a comprehensive curriculum, parent workshops, a networking group, and a leadership series. Con Mi Madre also collaborates with local school districts to bridge the gap between students and their families, providing ongoing support and resources. The organization has achieved a 72% college persistence rate among its high school graduates, thanks to their long-term relationship building and comprehensive support. Con Mi Madre’s approach to multicultural education and empowerment impacts the community they serve by affirming students’ cultural identities and celebrating their achievements. They also host an annual event, the Corazon Awards, to honor community members and raise funds for scholarships. To learn more about Con Mi Madre, visit their website or follow them on social media.
Takeaways
Con Mi Madre is a dual-generation program that supports girls in sixth through twelfth grade and their mothers or a loving adult in their family.
The program focuses on social-emotional support and academic preparation to help students achieve a post-secondary degree and be prepared for the workforce.
Con Mi Madre collaborates with local school districts to bridge the gap between students and their families, providing ongoing support and resources.
The organization has achieved a 72% college persistence rate among its high school graduates, thanks to their long-term relationship building and comprehensive support.
Con Mi Madre’s approach to multicultural education and empowerment impacts the community by affirming students’ cultural identities and celebrating their achievements.
The annual Corazon Awards event honors community members and raises funds for scholarships.
The program focuses on social-emotional support and academic preparation to help students achieve a post-secondary degree and be prepared for the workforce.
Con Mi Madre collaborates with local school districts to bridge the gap between students and their families, providing ongoing support and resources.
The organization has achieved a 72% college persistence rate among its high school graduates, thanks to their long-term relationship building and comprehensive support.
Con Mi Madre’s approach to multicultural education and empowerment impacts the community by affirming students’ cultural identities and celebrating their achievements.
Sound Bites
“I wish I had an organization like the one we have when I was a first-gen college student, as an immigrant, as someone who moved to this country and had to learn the language and navigate all of that.” “We support supporting the parents, for instance, through there is an organization called EGBI. It’s like a small business incubator. So you’re supporting the parents and that communicates to the student from an early age that you care not just about a number or an achievement on paper, you care about the well-being of their whole family.” “It’s building a long-term relationship and that is not just between the student and us, but they’re part of a larger community, and that organization is like a big family.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Transition to Nonprofit Leadership
02:08 Overview of Con Mi Madre’s Program and Approach
06:57 Collaboration with School Districts
09:47 Achieving a 72% College Persistence Rate
14:37 Influence of Public Education Background on Nonprofit Leadership
17:21 Multicultural Education and Empowerment
20:47 The Corazon Awards and Community Impact
23:27 How to Learn More About Con Mi Madre
Why staff retention is quickly becoming your top issue to address
Aug 11, 2024
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 can mitigate this staff retention problem.
Rob’s guest, Michelle Flores Vryn, is the co-author of the 2024 Social Impact Staff Retention Report. Michelle and Evan Wildstein led the project, administering the survey online to nonprofit organizations and their employees. Anonymous responses were collected from across the United States and included participants from a variety of roles and ranges of experience levels.
Michelle shares the top three reasons they found that workers were leaving their current roles. She explains that respondents feel they lack adequate compensation and support, and over 80% would be more satisfied if they could have more flexibility and autonomy over their time. Michelle believes organizations who want staff to work in person, must be more intentional about the use of office time. She describes which roles are seeing the most turnover right now and why. Michelle believes one of the biggest factors in turnover rates is the desire of nonprofits to constantly scale. She urges nonprofit leaders to become more realistic about what can be accomplished with the resources available to them. Michelle also highlights the importance deeper connection between leaders and their staff, and what that looks like in practice. She also encourages organizations to start opening up discussions on the use of AI in the workplace, and why it’s important to get the whole team involved and on the same page. Finally, Michelle shares where one can access this report and explains how nonprofits should effectively utilize the report’s findings to improve staff retention overall.
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
Summary:
In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter interviews Michelle Flores Vryn about a study on nonprofit staff retention. The study found that the top three reasons for nonprofit workers considering leaving their jobs were: having too much responsibility without support, lack of clear pathways for growth, and inadequate compensation and benefits. The study also revealed that staff with less than 10 years of experience were more likely to consider leaving, while those with more than 10 years were more likely to stay. The conversation also touched on the importance of flexible work conditions, managing budgets, and the use of AI in nonprofits. keywords nonprofit, staff retention, turnover, responsibilities, growth, compensation, benefits, experience, flexible work, budget management.
The top three reasons for nonprofit workers considering leaving their jobs are having too much responsibility without support, lack of clear pathways for growth, and inadequate compensation and benefits. Staff with less than 10 years of experience are more likely to consider leaving, while those with more than 10 years are more likely to stay. Flexible work conditions, such as hybrid or remote options, are highly valued by nonprofit staff and can contribute to longer-term retention. Nonprofits should balance their budgets while improving compensation and benefits to stay competitive and current with industry standards. Leaders should prioritize the well-being of their staff and build relationships with them to create a positive culture and prevent turnover. AI and technology can be used to create efficiencies and reduce workload, but it requires open and collaborative conversations within organizations to determine the best approach.
-“The top three reasons were having too much responsibility without support, lack of clear pathways for growth, and inadequate compensation and benefits.”
– “82% of people said, if I were gonna stay, it would be because of more hybrid or remote working options.”
-“Leaders who are very invested in the well-being of their staff are not only the leaders that we need now, but I think at some point they’re going to be the only leaders who are successful.”
Community Foundations: How they work and what makes them unique
Aug 04, 2024
Amy Freitag
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, Amy Freitag, is the President of The New York Community Trust. The New York Community Trust is a grantmaking foundation that funds nonprofits, by effectively stewarding the funds of their donors. The foundation has been proudly serving New York for 100 years.
Amy, a community philanthropist with many years of experience, passionately describes the mission and history of The New York Community Trust and her role as President. She explains what a community foundation is and how it differs from private foundations and traditional nonprofits. One of these differences is their grant-making process. Amy describes what makes their process so effective, and shares how many grants they issue each year. She also lists different reasons why people decide to contribute to community foundations, and benefits to doing so. Finally, Amy recounts specific examples of collective giving in the communities they serve, to demonstrate how impactful it truly is.
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
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons special interview
Jul 30, 2024
Nikki Clifton
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 to combat this devastating humanitarian crisis. While there are a lot of organizations that focus on prevention and rescue, the UPS Foundation is tackling a critical but often overlooked aspect of human trafficking — the aftercare and support for survivors. Through partnerships with organizations like Wellspring Living, the foundation is providing housing, counseling, and job training to help victims get back on their feet.
They discuss the issue of human trafficking, how the UPS Foundation focuses on long-term support for survivors, what led the UPS Foundation to make combating human trafficking a primary emphasis, and how nonprofits can collaborate best with law enforcement and government agencies to address human trafficking issues more effectively. Nikki also provides advice for how other nonprofits can raise awareness about human trafficking even if it’s not their primary mission and shares the foundation’s unique approach as both a funder and a provider of volunteers to support the work of other nonprofits addressing human trafficking.
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
Will AI replace your staff?
Jul 21, 2024
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.
Rob’s guest, Bertina Ceccarelli, is the CEO of NPower. Npower is a national nonprofit that seeks to empower underrepresented talent to pursue careers in technology. The organization offers training programs and certifications and also provides social service support to its students during the program.
Bertina shares trends she is seeing across all sectors, regarding the impact of AI on jobs. She explains that while AI is completely replacing some employees in certain roles, other opportunities are opening up for workers who are skilled at using AI. This is a reminder for those concerned about this shift, to recognize that disruption often brings new, positive opportunities. Bertina believes artificial intelligence tools can help nonprofit leaders do more and be better. To illustrate her point, she shares an example of how NPower uses AI to train the staff to be trauma-informed. While there are many benefits to using this technology, Bertina reminds us to approach it with careful oversight. Speaking of oversight, she stresses the importance of knowing what data is being used to train these AI models. She warns nonprofit leaders to be vigilant to prevent using a biased model. Finally, Bertina describes the one thing AI cannot do for your nonprofit, that you must be intentional about developing as a leader.
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
Summary
In this episode, Rob interviews Bertina Ceccarelli, CEO of NPower, about the impact of AI on nonprofits. They discuss how AI is affecting staffing in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, with lower-wage jobs being automated and higher-skilled jobs being disrupted. They also explore how nonprofits can proactively mitigate the negative impact of AI by leveraging it to free up staff time for more meaningful work. They emphasize the importance of human connection and trust in the nonprofit sector and discuss the potential for AI to enhance trauma-informed service. Overall, they highlight the need for collaboration between tech companies, tech training organizations, and nonprofits to ensure an inclusive and ethical AI workforce.
AI, nonprofits, staffing, automation, higher-skilled jobs, efficiency, human connection, trust, trauma-informed service
Takeaways
AI is impacting staffing in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, with lower-wage jobs being automated and higher-skilled jobs being disrupted.
Nonprofits can proactively mitigate the negative impact of AI by leveraging it to free up staff time for more meaningful work.
Human connection and trust are essential in the nonprofit sector and cannot be replaced by AI.
AI has the potential to enhance trauma-informed service by providing training scenarios for staff to practice recognizing and responding to trauma.
Collaboration between tech companies, tech training organizations, and nonprofits is crucial to ensure an inclusive and ethical AI workforce.
Titles
The Impact of AI on Nonprofit Staffing
Enhancing Trauma-Informed Service with AI
Sound Bites
“Lower-wage jobs are getting diminished or eliminated, while higher-skilled jobs are getting disrupted by AI.”
“AI can free up staff to spend more time with clients and provide better social support services.”
“Apprenticeships and paid internships for AI-related jobs can help open doors for overlooked talent.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:12 The Impact of AI on Nonprofits
05:12 Proactively Mitigating the Negative Impact of AI
07:22 Empowering People vs. Empowering Tech
10:20 Enhancing Nonprofits with AI
14:42 Replacing People with AI
19:41 Ensuring an Inclusive and Ethical AI Workforce
22:47 The Role of Human Connection and Trust
25:30 AI and Trauma-Informed Service
28:33 Conclusion and Call to Action
How to navigate corporate philanthropy
Jul 15, 2024
Tiara Green
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 national nonprofit, Accessia Health. They are committed to providing financial assistance and support to patients with rare and chronic medical conditions. Accessia Health provides case management, education, and financial support for health insurance premiums, medication, copayments, travel, and other medical expenses.
Tiara shares the two biggest lessons she has learned when navigating corporate philanthropy. She recognizes the power of having both data and alignment, to show corporations how they will benefit from supporting the nonprofit’s mission. Tiara explains why it’s vital for nonprofit leaders to truly understand the goals of the corporations they are seeking funding from. She describes the many different ways a nonprofit leader can obtain the information needed, to decide if the missions align or not. Tiara explains the mission of Accessia Health and how the organization is focused on health equity and financial affordability for the people it serves. Tiara describes two of the most important methods her organization implements to expand their effectiveness. One of these methods is to develop strategic partnerships. She describes the best way to start doing this. She also advises nonprofit leaders to avoid a very ineffective method that wastes valuable time and hurts morale. Finally, Tiara shares an important leadership lesson that has made the biggest impact on her career and personal life.
Summary: Tiara Green discusses best practices and important lessons in corporate philanthropy. She emphasizes the importance of data in demonstrating impact and aligning with the goals of corporate partners. Tiara also highlights the barriers to health equity and financial affordability in the healthcare industry and the role of nonprofits in addressing these issues. She shares the fundraising methods that have been effective for Accessia Health, including storytelling and forming strategic partnerships. Tiara emphasizes the importance of clear communication, trust, and transparency in leadership. She invites listeners to connect with Accessia Health through their website and social media.
Takeaways
Data is critical in demonstrating impact and securing corporate grants.
Aligning with the goals of corporate partners is key in building long-term partnerships.
Barriers to health equity and financial affordability in healthcare include systemic issues and social determinants of health.
Nonprofits can address these barriers through community partnerships and strategic collaborations.
Effective fundraising methods include storytelling, highlighting key differentiators, and forming strategic partnerships.
Clear communication, trust, and transparency are essential in leadership.
Accessia Health can be contacted through their website and social media.
Effective Fundraising Methods for Nonprofits
Best Practices and Lessons in Corporate Philanthropy
Quotes
“Data tells a story.”
“Alignment with goals and objectives is key.”
“Humanizing everything we’re doing makes a difference.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Corporate Philanthropy
02:59 Effective Fundraising Methods for Nonprofits
07:58 Barriers to Health Equity and Financial Affordability in Healthcare
14:26 Assisting Individuals with Rare and Chronic Conditions
20:56 Strategies for Fundraising Success
24:14 Leadership Lessons: Clear Communication and Trust
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
Strategies for helping to cultivate social change
Jul 07, 2024
Jacob Harold, author of The Toolbox:Strategies for Crafting Social Impact and Co-founder of Candid
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, Candid was formed from a merger of the two organizations known as GuideStar and Foundation Center. Candid is a nonprofit that provides comprehensive data and insights about the social sector.
Jacob believes that while it is not possible to predict the future, it can be helpful for nonprofits to map out a clear hypothesis of how they intend to bring about social impact. He also believes that by stating clearly your intentions for social impact, you are creating opportunities for both accountability and learning. Jacob explains how using mathematical models and measurement can offer benefits to nonprofit organizations, and why it does not have to be complicated to use. He also explains how using the tool of storytelling can help you to figure out who your nonprofit is focusing on, what challenges you are confronting, and how to get to that better place in the end. When speaking of different tools nonprofits can use, Jacob highlights the importance of influencing behaviors in a morally respectful way, in order not to be manipulative. Finally, Jacob describes why Guidestar and Foundation Center merged to form Candid, and his hope for working side by side with other similar organizations.
How to scale an organization without mission drift
Jun 30, 2024
Lynn Margherio, founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons
As nonprofit leaders, we often find we are filling a gap in society by resolving specific needs the government or the private sector 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 birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play—for free. Cradles to Crayons collects and distributes new and high-quality used children’s goods by engaging and connecting communities.
Lynn shares why she originally started Cradles to Crayons twenty years ago. She defines what “clothing insecurity” is and why it is such a big problem across the country. Importantly, Lynn explains how her organization has been able to avoid mission drift and that their collaborative approach to their mission is what keeps them moving in the right direction. She shares some light bulb moments of realization she had, that has helped the organization grow into what it is today. Lynn explains what her organization does in order to maintain growth and retention when it comes to staff and volunteers. Finally, Lynn shares some of the biggest challenges she is facing as nonprofit leader and their goals to end clothing insecurity on a larger scale, as they move forward.
What traits are most important for a nonprofit leader?
Jun 24, 2024
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 York. The mission of Mentor New York is to increase the quality of mentoring relationships and close the “mentoring gap” in New York State.
Brenda explains how Mentor New York closes the “mentoring gap” by collaborating with community organizations, to develop mentoring programs so young people’s lives can be positively impacted. Speaking of mentoring, Brenda shares about the mentors she has had along her journey who have made a difference in her career path. She believes that nonprofit leaders must be empathetic, good listeners, and stewards of vision. Regarding challenges for nonprofit leaders, Brenda encourages leaders to develop a muscle of responsiveness and immediacy to an ever-changing marketplace. She explains that the market is no longer as predictable as it was in the past, so leaders must shift how they think and act. Brenda also believes that a good leader can identify their team members’ talents and give them room to grow. Finally, she shares that seeing the brilliance of the young people today is giving her hope for the future.
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
Can AI help your nonprofit?
Jun 16, 2024
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. On the show are Anne Nies and Sam Caplan from Submittable, which is a software company that is helping thousands of organizations worldwide launch, manage and measure social impact programs. Sam is the Vice President of Social Impact at Submittable and Anne is the Director of Machine Learning/AI/Data Science at Submittable.
Submittable is a software company that helps nonprofit organizations launch, manage, and measure their social impact programs. They offer a grants management system and CSR and employee engagement software. Submittable is a proponent of responsible AI technology for grant management and helps organizations adopt AI intentionally. They prioritize privacy by not letting data go into models for training and building on platforms with strong privacy and security measures. They also give users the option to opt out of using AI. Submittable balances high tech with high touch by conducting extensive user research and incorporating feedback from customers and applicants. They aim to ensure that people remain at the center of the grant-making process. The biggest benefit of implementing AI tools for nonprofits is improved efficiency and the ability to focus on more impactful work. Submittable offers examples of AI being used for good, such as Goodwill Industries using AI to generate descriptions and prices for clothing items, saving time and generating revenue. They also highlight the use of AI for translation, allowing nonprofits to reach a broader audience. Submittable mitigates potential bias by involving experts in the development process, incorporating feedback mechanisms, and continuously working to address biases. They are excited about AI’s potential to eliminate administrative work and free up time for more meaningful tasks. They also see AI as a tool to aggregate and analyze data to better understand the impact of nonprofit organizations collectively. To learn more about Submittable, visit their website or connect with the team on LinkedIn.
Takeaways:
-Submittable helps nonprofit organizations launch, manage, and measure their social impact programs through their grants management and CSR software.
-Anne and Sam talk about how Submittable prioritizes privacy by not using data for training models and building on platforms with strong privacy measures.
-Submittable seeks to strike a balance between being high tech and high touch by conducting user research and incorporating feedback from customers and applicants.
-Sam and Anne talk about various AI tools that can improve efficiency and free up time for nonprofit leaders to invest in more impactful work.
-Sam and Anne share how AI is currently being used for good include generating descriptions and prices for clothing items among other examples.
-Submittable seeks to mitigate potential bias by involving experts, incorporating intentional feedback, and continuously addressing biases.
How to mitigate the staff retention challenge
Jun 10, 2024
Julia Devine
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. Rob’s guest, Julia Devine, shares what nonprofit leaders can do to alleviate this retention issue.
Julia is the Co-founder of Relatable Nonprofit. The team at Relatable Nonprofit is committed to empowering purpose-driven professionals to become nonprofit consultants and grow successful businesses.
Julia shares her experience working for nonprofits and being promoted too quickly in a previous position. She states nonprofits often lack long-term staff retention plans and promote whoever is available, leading to burnout and misalignment. Speaking of misalignment and burnout, these are some of the main reasons nonprofit staff members will seek new employment. Julia believes it is vital for leaders to get very clear before hiring staff and to be very transparent with current staff to find out their needs. Looking at the 2024 report, the data indicates a high turnover rate for those working in marketing. Julia shares her thoughts on why that is the case. Julia also shares other trends she notices in the sector, that are holding nonprofits back from succeeding. She believes nonprofit leaders are afraid to change and take risks, leading to a lack of experimentation or innovation. Finally, Julia encourages professionals in the nonprofit sector to stop settling for the status quo and instead be unconventional in how they approach their careers.
How nonprofits can help change the odds for individuals in their community
Jun 02, 2024
Tomi Hiers
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 Casey Foundation. The Annie E Casey Foundation is a private national philanthropy that creates better futures for the nation’s children by strengthening families, building economic opportunities, and transforming neighborhoods into safer and healthier places to live, work, and grow.
Tomi explains the mission of the Annie E Casey Foundation, which aims to promote the well-being of young people and families and advance racial equity. She shares insights from the foundation’s “Changing the Odds” report, highlighting both the progress and the disparities facing families, especially in Atlanta. Tomi believes these issues must be addressed through collective impact and collaboration among nonprofit leaders, government, and the private sector. She encourages nonprofit leaders to understand their community landscape, collaborate with other organizations, and use data to measure and tell their impact stories. Finally, Tomi shares examples of successful initiatives in Atlanta to demonstrate the power of cross-sector collaboration and community-led solutions.
How Habitat for Humanity is developing creative solutions to our housing crisis
May 26, 2024
Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity
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. Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Jonathan explains how existing trends were made worse due to the COVID pandemic and why he thinks things will continue to remain complex for the nonprofit sector for years to come. He also shares the two biggest leadership lessons he was taught due to the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Jonathan believes that community service is the antidote to polarization in our world. He describes ways in which Habitat for Humanity is being more intentional in building bridges between people of different backgrounds. Jonathan also explains that unrestrictive giving is critical due to the impact nonprofits can have through these kinds of donations. Finally, he discusses the initiatives that Habitat for Humanity is focusing on, in order to alleviate the current housing crisis.
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What leading with courage looks like
May 19, 2024
Adrien Lewis
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 families in crisis all over the US. They do this by connecting people who need help with people who want to help, through their care-sharing network.
Adrien explains what his platform, CarePortal, is about and why he and his wife started the company. Through this care-sharing network, families across the United States can receive the help and hope they need to move forward. Adrien shares that the road to starting CarePortal was paved with lessons and failures, yet they didn’t give up on their mission to help children in need. He wants nonprofit leaders to know that courage is not the absence of fear, but it means pushing through your fears and failures. In order to establish a culture of courage, Adrien believes you must acknowledge the courageous actions of those you lead. He also believes that true courage requires a heart of humility. Adrien shares examples of leaders he admires who are both humble and courageous. Finally, Adrien describes a wonderful collaboration between CarePortal and the Stand Together Foundation and how they are making a difference on a national level.
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 is an author, podcaster, and nonprofit consultant. He also co-authored the new book, Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict, a guide to mastering workplace conflict with confidence and ease.
In preparation for his newest book, David and his co-author Karin Hurt conducted a worldwide survey to understand the current workplace conflict trends. David lists the factors currently contributing to these trends, including overwhelm and poor management practices. He believes not all conflict is destructive and that there can be healthy, positive “conflict” if we are intentional about how we go about it. David explains the four dimensions of healthy conflict listed in his book. He also offers examples, directly from the book, of a few powerful phrases to help foster collaboration. David offers practical advice on how to say “no” without creating conflict and suggests what to do if you feel ignored at work. Finally, David encourages us to speak up and avoid staying silent, since it deprives everyone of the opportunity to make positive change.
How do we recruit and develop the board we need
May 05, 2024
Erik Hanberg
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 nonprofits in board governance and fundraising. He is also the author of various books, one of which is called, The Little Book of Boards: A Board Member’s Handbook for Small (and Very Small) Nonprofits.
Erik believes many nonprofits need to pivot their recruiting process for their boards because the typical process is inefficient. He lists the steps involved in the process, including how to find potential members, how long the process should take, and the most important traits they should look for in a board member. Erik understands that not all board members can be high achievers. He believes that as long as they establish a strong system based on rules and culture, having lower-level members on the board is fine. He also shares how a nonprofit should approach a situation where a toxic member must be let go. Erik believes it is essential to start training new members before their first meeting with the board, and what the onboarding process should look like. Finally, he explains why he is in favor of term limits, and why he does not advocate for specific job duties for members.
How you can become a changemaker through “micro-leadership”
Apr 28, 2024
Alex Budak, professor at University of California, Berkeley and author of “Becoming a Changemaker.”
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, Alex Budak, is a professor at University of California, Berkeley as well as the author of “Becoming a Changemaker.” His book is a fresh, inspiring and research-backed guide to developing the mindsets and leadership skills needed to navigate, shape, and lead change and to make a positive impact in our lives, career, and communities.
Alex explains why resistance to change is normal in an organization, and what leaders can do to effectively overcome that resistance. He shares that he had an epiphany moment while living in India, that greatly influenced the work he is doing now as a professor. Alex describes a new concept called “micro-leadership” and how each one of us can put this into practice everyday. He goes into what the common traits are that change makers have and what it actually means to be resilient. Alex shares why action is necessary if a leader seeks to have an impact. He explains the initial steps leaders should take when trying to influence their team to come on board with change. Finally, Alex explains the one area that nonprofit leaders are leaning too heavily on and what they need to do to be successful.
Leadership Insights from The Bridgespan Group
Apr 22, 2024
Anum Qadir
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.
Christian Celeste Tate
Anum and Christian are managers at The Bridgespan Group. The Bridgespan Group is a global nonprofit that strives to make the world more equitable and just, by using rigorous research to gain insights that help clients solve problems and achieve their goals. Anum and Christian are also the co-hosts of season three of Dreaming in Color, a podcast by The Bridgespan Group and Studio Pod Media.
Anum and Christian share insights about changes they are seeing in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. They offer advice to nonprofit leaders dealing with the downward trend in giving. Christian encourages leaders to pay attention to trends within the individual context of their situations, so they don’t get lost in details that don’t pertain to their organization. For leaders struggling with recruitment and retention, Anum invites them to focus on creating an internal organization that people will want to stay in. Christian believes if you aim to develop a culture of resiliency in your team, you as a leader must first demonstrate resiliency by living it out. Then it will become the culture of your organization. Anum and Christian also describe their exciting new roles as co-hosts of Dreaming in Color, and the emphasis of leadership in the current season of the podcast. Another major focus of the podcast revolves around equity and social change. Anum urges nonprofits to recognize that DEI cannot be an isolated component; it must be rooted in every part of the organization’s strategy. Christian offers examples of approaches nonprofits can adopt to establish strategies rooted in equity. Finally, they both emphasize the importance of deep introspection and why a great leader isn’t afraid to step back and truly reflect on who they are and what they do.
How to successfully transition from the for-profit to the nonprofit sector
Apr 14, 2024
Colleen Kelly
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, is the CEO of the US branch of Concern Worldwide, Ireland’s largest humanitarian organization. Concern Worldwide is an international humanitarian organization that works to transform the lives of the world’s poorest people.
Colleen explains why she decided to leave her amazing career in marketing and advertising, and how she became CEO of Concern Worldwide. She shares what surprised her most about her transition to the nonprofit sector. Colleen describes the differences in approach when leading for-profit organizations versus nonprofit organizations. She also shares some of the biggest lessons she has learned as a leader, one of which is the importance of delegation. Colleen believes leaders can only level up if they delegate to their team members and help them grow. She describes the mission of Concern Worldwide and shares why they are such a unique nonprofit organization. Finally, Colleen offers practical advice to those looking to transition into the nonprofit sector.
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 Consulting Group. He is also BCG’s Chair for CIE (Center for Inclusion and Equity.) Joe is also the author of The Generous Leader, 7 Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone’s Gain.
Joe explains what it means to be an empathetic leader and lists the positive outcomes of leading this way. He believes the best leaders are wise enough to realize they don’t hold all the answers. He offers specific suggestions on ways these leaders can incorporate deeper communication, by asking the right questions. Joe shares how leaders can measure whether or not they are leading generously. For leaders who feel vulnerability is a weakness, he offers reasons for why being vulnerable is powerful and how to start. Joe describes how small acts of generosity can have a big impact on the team and what these acts can look like. He also explains how generous leaders effectively increase employee engagement through intentional inclusion efforts. Finally, Joe shares that when it comes to navigating a team during a time of crisis, the willingness to be vulnerable can bring a sense of relief to the whole organization.
Why your culture determines your brand
Apr 01, 2024
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, Culture Built My Brand, along with Mark Miller. Ted is also a Brand and Culture Strategist at Historic Agency. Historic Agency helps organizations build a brand that matters through brand strategy and design.
Ted Vaughn, co-author of “Culture Built My Brand” and serves as Brand and Culture Strategist at Historic Agency
Ted explains how many times nonprofits create their brand in a way that is disconnected from their actual culture and performance. He also believes that many nonprofits are not being intentional about their culture, which can lead to creating “mission drift.” Ted points out that clarity and organizational health are the two drivers to an overall healthy culture. Ted discusses the five pillars of a brand, and how nonprofits can create a strategic roadmap. He also shares why a “brand gap” is harmful to your organization and offers ways to fix it. Finally, Ted explains why branding is so important for nonprofits to get right, and offers advice to leaders as to how they can start to develop a brand strategy.
How to turn volunteers into champions of your nonprofit
Mar 24, 2024
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 Catchafire. Catchafire is the largest skills-based volunteer platform in the world. The organization aims to bring together philanthropy and employee engagement by creating and tracking volunteer opportunities with immediate impact that simultaneously support nonprofits.
Tyler outlines the 3 most important steps nonprofit leaders must take if they want to increase volunteer participation and engagement across the board. He describes the 3 different volunteer program types that nonprofits utilize and offers advice on the best way to decide what type will work best. Tyler encourages leaders to have clearly defined roles in place with volunteers, why it’s so important, and what that looks like when implemented. He warns nonprofit leaders of mistakes to avoid when creating volunteer programs, such as avoiding vague timelines for projects. Finally, Tyler explains the mission behind Catchafire, and how they connect skill-based volunteers with nonprofit organizations, for free.
How Charity Water is providing sustainable solutions to one of the world’s biggest challenges
Mar 17, 2024
Hannah Bellamy
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, Hannah Bellamy, is the UK Managing Director for Charity Water. Charity Water brings clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Charity Water invests in long-term, sustainable solutions to communities, by working directly with local partners in 22 countries.
Hannah describes the mission of Charity Water and shares how their “one hundred percent model” allows them to allocate 100% of public donations to clean water projects. She explains how this model works for their organization and how it allows their team to have a bigger impact on the communities they serve. Hannah describes the types of clean water systems they invest in and what the vetting process looks like when selecting partners to work with. She also explains how Charity Water develops strong relationships within the organization and builds their staff. She shares how the organization encourages team members to live out their values every day, while explaining why the organization is so intentional about transparency with donors by showing proof that clean water projects have been implemented and maintained. Finally, Hannah gives examples of fun events Charity Water has hosted that have successfully built brand awareness. She believes what is more important than having a “cool” brand, is doing cool things with your brand.
How 501(c)(8) and 501(c)(3) organizations can collaborate together for good
Mar 10, 2024
Mike Lee
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 Impact Initiative. Their mission is to bring awareness to fraternal benefit societies and the education, resources, and funding that is accessible to everyday people, communities, and nonprofit organizations. These fraternal benefit societies are also known as not-for-profit insurance companies that offer a wide variety of programs to their members.
Mike explains what a 501(c)8 entity is and how it compares to a 501(c)3. He describes different grant programs offered to members of these fraternal benefit societies and how members can then use these funds to support community outreach programs like construction projects, coat drives, etc. Mike gives examples of successful partnerships between 501(c)8 organizations and 501(c)3 organizations, and how the partnerships increase community impact. For those interested in the many benefits offered, Mike describes the simple process of becoming a member by signing up for a life insurance policy. He describes other programs available to members such as discount clubs, testament services, child support programs, and college tuition programs. Mike explains that while 501(c)8 organizations have existed for over 100 years, most people, including nonprofit leaders, have never heard of them. With that said, Mike believes that with more education and outreach efforts, more people will become aware of 501(c)8 organizations.
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, tracking and management into one place. The platform uses a personalized process to help grant seekers discover, research, and track their grants.
Gauri explains the top 3 reasons why nonprofits are inefficient with their fundraising and grant prospecting. She believes that if you measure things quantitatively, you can avoid these mistakes. Gauri also outlines the 4 things you need to do, in order to be successful with your grant seeking and why focusing on the funder’s perspective is vital to your success. Gauri discusses why funders require a “logic model” for grant applications. She explains exactly what a logic model is and the benefits to this type of framework for your whole organization. She shares the importance of a “win – win” mindset and why you need to be confident before you reach out to funders. Finally, she discusses why nonprofit leaders should consider offering competitive compensation to their staff.
Links to Resources: If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@robharter.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
How the right data can drive an organization’s story and impact
Feb 26, 2024
Angela Redding
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 cultivate a more personal, positive place for faith within modern society. One of the ways Radiant Foundation does this is through their app, Skylight, which offers short meditations aimed at connecting people with their higher power.
Angela describes the mission behind Radiant Foundation and why the organization is dedicated to providing spiritual self-care tools to help people improve and manage their well-being. She describes why having partnerships with credible, global research firms has been critical to obtaining accurate data for their programs.
Angela explains how nonprofit leaders can make their mission relevant to more supporters. She also describes the factors that make it difficult to spread her organization’s message, and what her organization is doing in response. Finally, Angela dives into how social media affects our mental health. She offers advice on how we can establish a healthy relationship with technology so it doesn’t control our lives.
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 than just fixing the fundraising department. Rob’s guest is Donald Summers and he will share his guidebook for creating sustainable growth with a step-by-step guide to scaling social impact for any nonprofit mission.
Donald is the author of the book Scaling Altruism and the CEO of Altruist Partners. Altruist Partners helps mission-driven organizations of all types make their social impact goals a reality. They use proven, practical solutions to solve the biggest strategic, fundraising, and organizational challenges to amplify the good nonprofits can do. Their Altruist Accelerator program is a boot camp for small to mid-sized nonprofit teams who are dedicated to growing their impact.
Donald explains that he decided to write the book, Scaling Altruism, after recognizing the consistent results his company was making with the “Altruist Growth and Impact methodology” they implemented with clients. The goal of the book is to help nonprofit leaders improve the whole infrastructure of the organization, with a practical and easy-to-implement approach. Donald shares his opinions on why so many people are lacking trust in nonprofits, and what nonprofit leaders need to do to earn the trust of future donors. He passionately believes that nonprofits are suffering because they are being held back by certain concepts, ideologies, and approaches. Donald describes different chapters of his book, and how each chapter digs into the seven-phase process his company uses to help nonprofits scale. He also explains that for this process to be effective, nonprofit leaders have to possess certain qualities because this growth process is not as easy as it may seem on the surface. Finally, Donald shares what he believes are the biggest challenges facing nonprofits, and what organizations need to focus on to resolve these challenges.
How the Wounded Warrior Project is expanding
Feb 11, 2024
Vilma Consuegra
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, services and events for wounded veterans who incurred a physical or mental injury, illnesses, or co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001.
Vilma shares how she got started with Wounded Warrior Project and the impact she hopes to make in her position in marketing and communications. When it comes to effective marketing, Vilma describes what she believes are the three biggest barriers that nonprofits face. She explains what nonprofit leaders need to focus on in order to create a healthy balance between effective marketing and operating within budget. As the WWP Communications Officer, Vilma shares the two most essential aspects to effective communication. She believes a nonprofit’s mission can be propelled more successfully, if one applies both of these aspects together. Vilma describes to what degree WWP integrates the use of AI in their organization process. She also shares whether or not she believes this technology will take over staff positions in the future. Finally, Vilma explains what impact she is hoping WWP will make in the lives of veterans as they continue to grow.
How to implement effective accounting principles into your nonprofit
Feb 04, 2024
Jason Kruger
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, and thus make a bigger impact in the world.
Jason is the President and Founder at Signature Analytics. Signature Analytics provides expert-level accounting and business advisory solutions to small and middle-market businesses. They also have an entire team dedicated to serving nonprofits through outsourced accounting and CFO-level business advisory services.
Jason explains it is critical for nonprofits to have confidence in their accounting processes, especially when making decisions for the future. In uncertain economic times, he advises nonprofits to focus on a few areas including annual budgets, cash flow, employee output, debt strategy, and real estate. When it comes to audits, Jason suggests doing no less than one audit per year, and explains why audits are worth the expense. He explains what organizations can do on a monthly basis, to have an easier audit process. Jason describes how Signature Analytics helps their nonprofit clients establish and manage these processes, so accounting becomes streamlined. He believes the biggest factor stopping nonprofit leaders from having a sophisticated accounting process is the cost. He wants leaders to know that most Board of Directors are actually willing to invest in hiring an accounting team. Finally, Jason explains why it’s so important for nonprofit leaders to provide both timely and transparent communication about finances to their donors, team, and board.
How can we reverse the downward trend in giving and volunteering?
Jan 28, 2024
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 10 years. With that said, there is hope for nonprofits to reverse these trends. Today’s guest, Emily Creek, believes that nonprofit leaders can harness the amazing power of market research to turn these numbers around.
Emily has been in the nonprofit space for 20 years. She is currently the Senior Director, Customer Insights & Strategy at Stable Kernel. She helps nonprofits develop strategies to overcome their business challenges, by conducting and leveraging market research.
Emily describes her role at Stable Kernel, where she helps nonprofits increase their volunteer base and improve their fundraising effectiveness. She explains that in order to compete in this current climate, nonprofit leaders need to fully understand their constituents’ needs and tailor messages directly to them. For those who don’t know the true power of market research, Emily describes the list of benefits nonprofits can obtain by investing time and money into this tool. For organizations who decide to get started using market research, it can be challenging to know where to focus first. Emily believes the most important step is making sure all the stakeholders are aligned with the key objectives. When it comes to smaller nonprofits, she explains that using market research tools doesn’t have to be too timely or expensive. Emily describes how AI can be used in the process of market research, but that there are still limitations to what it can do in this area. Finally she shares why she is hopeful for the future of nonprofits who use this amazing tool. She believes market research is like a GPS system that takes the guesswork out of everything and helps nonprofits get to the destination they desire.
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.
Tommy is a national speaker and trainer on the topic of leadership. He is also the author of three New York Times Best Selling books. Tommy is also the President of Spaulding Companies LLC, a national leadership development, consulting, coaching, and speaking organization.
Tommy describes the two different types of leaders that exist, and which type of leader one should be if they want to build a healthy team dynamic. He believes that in order to be a servant leader who genuinely cares about others, one has to heal their own heart and learn to love themselves first. Tommy offers advice to leaders who realize they need to change and shares a specific example of something they can do to show others they truly care. He explains why it is so important for leaders to be focused on their core mission and to prove they are not easily swayed by money. Tommy believes that influence “is not a part of leadership,” but that influence “is leadership.” He also shares a powerful metaphor of the extent of our influence throughout our lifetime. Finally, Tommy shares what he believes is the most powerful, yet underrated quality of leadership, and how this quality not only impacts our team but our donors as well.
Learn more about the nonprofit Matt Damon co-founded
Jan 15, 2024
Vedika Bhandarkar
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. 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.
How can AI be used for good for your nonprofit?
Jan 07, 2024
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. (Source: Nonprofit Technology Network) 64% of nonprofit professionals believe AI can help them better understand their donors and supporters. (Source: Salesforce) Additionally there have been a lot of studies about the impact of AI: like helping nonprofits increase program effectiveness by up to 43%, or how Classy has found that AI-driven fundraising campaigns have seen a 34% increase in donor retention rates.
So what should be the role of AI when it comes to nonprofits?
As nonprofit leaders, we need to have conversations around AI, because whether we realize it or not, it’s involved in nearly everything we do. Rob’s guest, Justin Spelhaug, argues artificial intelligence is making a positive impact in the nonprofit space.
Justin is the VP and Global Head of Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact (TSI.) TSI brings together donation and grants programs, commercial sales efforts, and partner ecosystems to empower nonprofits globally to address the world’s most pressing needs.
Justin describes what Tech for Social Impact does, and how they not only help their nonprofit clients, but how TSI also donates a portion of the profits to public good initiatives. When it comes to integrating AI into their solutions, Microsoft uses six core principles to guide the work they do. Justin describes these six principles and dives deep into the principles of “Inclusiveness” as well as “Privacy and Security.” He explains why focusing on privacy and security is important when it comes to using AI, and the ways Microsoft ensures high privacy standards on all the solutions they create. Justin shares specific case studies on ways AI is being used in the nonprofit sector, specifically in cases that involve human rights, disaster relief, and biodiversity. He also describes a path one can follow, if they are not familiar with AI, so they can become more knowledgeable and skilled using it. Finally, Justin believes that while there may be potential downsides to AI technology, it is drastically helping nonprofits become more efficient, thus supporting the greater good.
“What are the key aspects to successful donor retention?”
Dec 31, 2023
Cara Augspurger
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.
Donorbox is a recurring donation platform that provides nonprofits with a better donation checkout process. They aim to help nonprofits connect with their donors and volunteers more closely by building the best donor management system in the industry.
Cara shares her thoughts on the current state of giving and describes the factors that are attributing to the decrease in donor retention. She explains the importance of good stewardship and how sharing “impact reports” with one’s donors is key. When it comes to thanking your donors, Cara believes that it takes quality communication and also frequent communication to really convey an organization’s sincere gratitude. She explains how important authenticity is in regards to donor retention, and how nonprofit leaders can become more authentic in their actions. Cara also offers advice on how to best obtain donor feedback and what organizations should do once they have that feedback. Finally, she describes how to get your donors involved in your organization’s projects, when appropriate and necessary.
Just how prevalent is the problem of human trafficking right here in the US?
Dec 24, 2023
Diana Mao
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. Nomi Network is a leading non-profit organization bridging the private, public, and non-profit sectors through enterprise and education to end human trafficking. Their mission is to end human trafficking by creating pathways to safe employment, empowering women and girls to break cycles of slavery in their families and communities.
Diana shares a powerful, personal story of why she decided to join the fight against human trafficking. She dispels the myth that “trafficking does not happen in the United States, and explains why it’s such a difficult concept for people to grasp in the United States. When it comes to trafficking in poverty-stricken countries like India, Diana explains that poverty and economic marginalization are the main drivers. She shares that people in these countries have a mindset that “humans are disposable.” Diana describes the many different programs Nomi offers to women and girls across the globe, mostly focusing on supporting them through economic stability via safe career opportunities. When it comes to being inspired and not becoming discouraged, she shares that she looks at all the women on the front lines as her “sheroes”, her female heroes. Finally, Diana shares her big goals for the future of her organization, as well as for the future of fighting against human trafficking in general.
Is Servant Leadership Making A Comeback?
Dec 17, 2023
Evan Wildstein
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 Evan Wildstein, author of the book, The Nonprofiteer’s Fundraising Field Guide: 30 Practical Ways to Boost Philanthropy Through Servant-Leadership. His book inspires readers to take fast action by exploring the ten core behaviors of servant-leaders.
When it comes to the term servant leadership, Evan believes that the two words must coexist, since he sees service and leadership as both action oriented activities. He explains that the term isn’t actually a paradox like many assume, because you cannot have one without the other. Evan explains that the concept of servant leadership is talked about at a very high level. This is why he is passionate about explaining it in a very practical, tangible way that people can apply to their organizations. Evan describes how servant leaders can become more empathetic in their approach to others. He also shares the importance of truly becoming a better listener, as a leader. Finally, Evan believes that we, as leaders, need to heal ourselves first before we can hope to heal others. Part of this healing must be done on an individual level and part must be done on an organizational level, by holistically checking in on our team.
How to maximize the impact of your board
Dec 10, 2023
Hardy Smith
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 of the book, Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game: How to Break the Cycle of Frustrating Relationships and Benefit from Fully Engaged Boards.
Hardy believes that nonprofit leaders are the biggest contributors to the issue of poor board member engagement. He shares that leaders are not only bringing the wrong people onto their boards, but they also forget to be clear about the board member’s responsibilities. Hardy describes what the recruiting process should look like, and emphasizes the importance of having a pool of potential candidates to choose from. He also describes the main reasons members may have a poor experience during their time on the board, and how leaders can mitigate this by improving their communication skills. When it comes to selecting board leadership, Hardy explains why it’s crucial to look at one’s prior experience. Finally, he offers clear advice on how nonprofit leaders can reach their goal of having more diversity and inclusion amongst their board members.
Walmart has a new way they are giving back to nonprofits
Dec 03, 2023
Julie Gehrki, Vice President of Philanthropy at Walmart
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, Julie Gehrki, is the Vice President of Philanthropy at Walmart. Last year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provided more than $1.5 billion in cash and in-kind to support programs that align with their philanthropic priorities. Through the combined philanthropic efforts of both Walmart and the Walmart Foundation, Walmart is creating opportunities for people to live better every day.
Julie shares information on Walmart’s new social impact program, Spark Good, and how it is meeting both the needs of customers and the local nonprofits they want to support. She explains the four main tools that make up the Spark Good program, and how each of these tools offer support to the various needs nonprofits may have. Julie also shares that Walmart often matches customer donations and fulfills the material requests of the nonprofits they work with. Julie believes companies cannot have real impact if they are not truly listening. That is why Walmart is trying to thoughtfully walk alongside both local communities and nonprofits, to really understand their needs. Julie offers advice to large companies who are seeking to make an impact by becoming involved in philanthropy. Finally, she shares some insight into Walmart as a whole and what she wishes more people knew about the corporation.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@robharter.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
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How to strengthen your nonprofit’s financial processes
Nov 26, 2023
Dean Dalzell
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 Dean Dalzell and Jerry Frick, both of whom are CFOs at Veracity Pros. Veracity Pros is an all-in-one accounting company that has served the nonprofit community for 20 years. Their goal is to take care of the accounting and financial complexities, so nonprofit leaders can focus on growing their impact.
Jerry Frick
Dean and Jerry describe the most common ways Veracity Pros assists nonprofit organizations, especially in terms of offering outsource accounting, audit prep, and outsource CFO support. For nonprofits with a limited budget, Dean recommends first doing a self assessment to understand were their financial expertise lies and then reaching out to an outside firm to do an initial assessment. Jerry describes the different points in an organization’s growth, where the leaders should start upgrading their financial staffing. Dean explains the average cost of an audit, depending on the complexity of the organization and their needs. Finally, they describe the biggest mistakes nonprofits often make when it comes to their financial processes and how to avoid those mistakes.
What Amazon is doing to empower nonprofits to go further and faster
Nov 23, 2023
Allyson Fryhoff
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 the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. AWS provides cloud solutions to nonprofits, that can help with fundraising, donor engagement and donor retention
Allyson explains how their new program, Tech Action, is supporting nonprofits in building fundraising, growing donations, and improving member engagement. Allyson believes nonprofits need to effectively connect and communicate with donors, and she shares how the Tech Action program is helping with fundraising efforts. She explains how AWS can help organizations collect donor data and simplify it into visual systems so nonprofit leaders can make faster and better decisions. Allyson also tells us how the use of high tech tools can actually help create a high touch relationship between donors and organizations. Finally, she shares information about the Imagine Grant Program that AWS offers to 501c3 organizations.
How can donors avoid the pitfalls of self-dealing
Nov 12, 2023
Stephanie Yan
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.
Stephanie is the Private Foundation Practice Leader of GHJ, a national advisory and accounting firm that provides a broad range of audit, accounting, tax, participations and advisory services to nonprofits, food and beverage, entertainment and media and health and wellness companies.
Stephanie explains what “self-dealing” is and the implications it can have on foundations and those involved within the foundation. She shares that this type of transaction can happen either intentionally or unintentionally, but that either way, the penalties for engaging in self-dealing can be quite impactful. Stephanie goes on to describe the seven types of transitions that the IRS considers as self-dealing, and offers specific examples of what it can look like in action. She offers ideas of internal processes and policies foundations can have in place, in order to avoid participating in self-dealing. Finally, Stephanie highlights the importance of hiring a CPA or attorney who has expertise and experience working with tax-exempt organizations.
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 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.
How nonprofits can successfully collaborate with government agencies
Oct 29, 2023
Ann Lee
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 collaboration and partnership.
Rob’s guest is Ann Lee, CEO and Co-founder of CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort.) CORE is a humanitarian response organization that brings immediate aid and recovery to underserved communities across the globe. Ann created CORE with her Co-founder, Sean Penn.
Ann describes how she and Sean met in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and why they decided to create their crisis relief organization. Ann explains why marginalized communities deal with a never ending cycle of crisis and how demand driven approaches are needed instead of traditional relief models. She points out the importance of a holistic model that focuses on long-term solutions, not just immediate relief. To give specific examples of how this can work, Ann describes the relief solutions CORE has brought to recent crises like the Ukraine war and the fires in Maui.
She also offers practical advice to leaders who are looking to developing deeper connections with the communities they serve during crisis. Ann shares how the Covid pandemic affected the work of their organization, and the different areas of work they entered as a result. She describes CORE’s unique funding model that starts with donations first from the general public and then from institutional organizations such as the US government. Finally, Ann offers advice to nonprofits on how they can most effectively work with government agencies in order to make the best impact on huge problems the world faces.
Hear From Top Nonprofit Leaders Live at the NIO Summit
Oct 22, 2023
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.
Rob’s guests are Tim Kachuriak, Mallory Erickson, Brian Sooy, Andrew Olsen, and Gabe Cooper. Tim is the creator behind the NIO summit as well as the founder and CEO of NextAfter, a digital fundraising consultancy. Mallory is the host of the podcast, What the Fundraising and the CEO of the Power Partners Formula which provides tools to help nonprofits fundraise. Brian is the President of Aespire Branding, a branding and marketing agency for service companies. Andrew is the host of the Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast and the Senior VP of DickersonBakker, a fundraising and strategy agency for large and small nonprofits. Gabe is the CEO of Virtuous, a software company that offers a responsive fundraising platform for nonprofits.
As the founder of the NIO Summit, Tim shares what he hopes people will take away from the conference. He wants nonprofit leaders to recognize the importance of letting donor behavior speak for itself when it comes to creating funnels. Mallory describes how fundraisers can effectively navigate donor behavior to increase their fundraising impact. She also explains how our own cognitive behaviors as nonprofit leaders can either negatively or positively affect fundraising. Brian describes the different generations of donors that currently exist and how nonprofits should future proof their fundraising in response to these different types of donors. Andrew shares that the key to improve donor participation is to focus on building relationships and less on the nonprofit’s immediate desires. Finally, Gabe explains what the real meaning of generosity is when looking at your nonprofit as a whole. He also explains what makes a good donor journey, versus one that is filled with friction.
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/
Live From the UNA Conference
Oct 15, 2023
Lindsay HadleyTanisha Shedden
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, and Peggy Green. Lindsay is a consultant in the nonprofit sector and is the keynote speaker at the 2023 UNA conference. Tanisha is a public speaker as well as a mental health counselor. Victoria is a Salt Lake City Council Member as well as a consultant for nonprofits and local governments. Peggy is a program manager at the Utah Office of Homeless services.
Peggy GreenVictoria Petro
As the keynote speaker, Lindsay shares what she hopes people will take away from the conference. She believes nonprofit organizations need to pay their employees and spend on marketing, in order to stay competitive and make a bigger impact. Tanisha believes burnout is a big problem facing nonprofits and explains that organizations need to focus on mental health improvements so their workers can contribute more effectively to their cause. Victoria recognizes the lack of funding streams available and explains this is due to a scarcity mindset. Finally, Peggy explains the importance of nonprofits collaborating with each other in order to get things done together.
What is the state of giving in America?
Oct 08, 2023
Michelle Boggs, Executive Nonprofit Industry Advisor, Classy
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, a GoFundMe company, is a Public Benefit Corporation and giving platform that enables nonprofits to connect supporters with the causes they care about. Through technology, they empower nonprofits to unlock the generosity of their supporters and help them advance their missions.
Michelle explains the reasons why Gen Z and Millennials give to specific causes over others. She also shares that 80% of Gen Z individuals are discovering social causes via social media, and that 65% of them are donating to urgent causes. Because the nonprofit space is so competitive it is important to stay front of mind with their donors by being strategic with communication efforts. Michelle lists out what successful organizations are doing, in order to stay competitive and keep the attention of their donors. She describes the benefits of subscription based giving and how nonprofits should go about implementing a recurring giving program. Finally, Michelle believes nonprofits need to have a multi-channel approach, which includes using various social media platforms as a tool in their fundraising efforts.
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 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 re-brand the sector and ways we can start doing so.
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.
How nonprofits can move from being an organization to a “brand”
Sep 30, 2023
Too often, nonprofits think they’re the cause that the community wants to support. But nonprofits are notthe 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 focused on helping nonprofit professionals build better brand awareness and increase their impact, while at the same time building donor’s support and community involvement.
Bill McKendry
Bill shares his experience of leaving the for-profit sector and how his new book has been 25 years in the making. He explains why nonprofits should focus on finding strength in their voice by investing in their marketing and messaging. He dives into how the biggest competition nonprofits face are the best marketers in the world. He also points out how many businesses are creating causes to support instead of partner with nonprofits. He discusses how nonprofits can provide a “triple win” by partnering with businesses that need the trust and good stewardship a nonprofit organization offers. He also shares the top three things that nonprofit leaders need to know in order to build their brand. Bill also explains why nonprofits must understand the three categories of brands: “candy, vitamin, and painkiller”. Finally he points out the evidence that “frequency wins”, when it comes to marketing. It is not necessarily about waiting to find the perfect marketing or the best video, or the most expensive advertising. It is all about frequency.
#FromTheArchives
This episode is sponsored by Donorbox – https://donorbox.org
How to scale an organization without mission drift
Sep 24, 2023
Lynn Margherio, founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons
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 birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play—for free. Cradles to Crayons collects and distributes new and high-quality used children’s goods by engaging and connecting communities.
Lynn shares why she originally started Cradles to Crayons twenty years ago. She defines what “clothing insecurity” is and why it is such a big problem across the country. Lynn explains how her organization has been able to avoid mission drift and that their collaborative approach to their mission is what keeps them moving in the right direction. She shares some light bulb moments of realization she had, that has helped the organization grow into what it is today. Lynn explains what her organization does in order to maintain growth and retention when it comes to staff and volunteers. Finally, Lynn shares some of the biggest challenges she is facing as nonprofit leader and their goals to end clothing insecurity on a larger scale, as they move forward.
Can you help fund a nonprofit and also get a “return on your investment”?
Sep 17, 2023
Jasper van Brakel, CEO of RSF Social Finance
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, there is one organization, a nonprofit no less, whose sole mission is to both fund social changemakers while simultaneously providing a return on their donors’ investment through an innovative funding model.
Rob’s guest is Jasper Van Brakel and explains how his organization is dedicated to funding nonprofits while providing a return on the donor’s investment. Jasper is the CEO of RSF Social Finance. RSF Social Finance seeks to revolutionize how people relate to and work with money. RSF is a financial services organization that has formed a growing community of motivated, values-driven investors, donors, and entrepreneurs.
Jasper explains how RSF works with for profit and nonprofit organizations who have a social or environmental mission, and the way they help fund these enterprises. Jasper shares how RSF has worked with both nonprofits and forprofits since 1984, and explains the similarities and differences between the two types of business structures. Jasper explains why RSF allows investors and borrowers to decide on interest rates and rate of return, versus going off market rates. He also shares how RSF decides which projects to invest in and what they do if they notice an organization experiencing mission drift. Finally, Jasper explains that when it comes to funding organizations, it isn’t just about what is being funded, but who is part of the leadership team of the organization.
Right now we are living in a time when the challenges facing management is at an all time high, especially when it comes to managing crises. The combination of advancements in technology, economic uncertainty and volatility of the marketplace all have put unique pressure on not only nonprofit leaders but for-profit leaders as well. Perhaps you as a nonprofit leader feel like every week, you are facing a new crisis in your organization. And these crises are becoming more complex. You may be surprised to learn that a 2022 study by IBM pointed out that managing disruption is a top concern for CEO’s. Today’s guest, Paul Falcone, explains what leaders in management positions can do to build resiliency and effectively manage disruptions in their organization.
Paul is an expert in crisis management, a best-selling author and the principal of Paul Falcone Workplace Leadership Consulting LLC, which specializes in leadership training, executive coaching, and HR advisory services. He was also the former Chief Human Resources Officer at Nickelodeon.
Paul explains that in order to build resilience in an organization, leaders need to open up opportunities for honest conversations. He compares it to sitting around a campfire where people can connect on a deeper level, about the challenges their organization may be facing. He believes leaders must practice this skill of constructive communication in order to proactively tackle problems. Paul also shares what leaders need to do in order to prevent employee burnout and turnover. When it comes to layoffs and terminations that must happen at times, he explains the right way and wrong way to approach it. Finally, Paul describes qualities of the best type of leader and how one can become a boss everyone will want to work for.
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/
How to create a leadership culture that retains diverse staff
Sep 04, 2023
Jakada Imani, CEO of The Management Center
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 create an honest culture where people feel like they actually belong.
Jakada is the CEO of The Management Center. The Management Center (TMC) is a consulting firm that is dedicated to helping social justice leaders build and run equitable, sustainable, and results-driven organizations. They provide resources for effective management for social justice and education equity organizations.
Jakada shares how he first got connected to The Management Center in 2017 after working in the social justice sphere for over 20 years. He describes the primary focus of TMC is to give organizations the basic skills to be an effective manager, since being a manager takes very different set of skills compared to other roles in organizations. Jakada shares the three things that make up TMC’s “secret sauce” as well as describes the type of lessons they train managers on improving. When it comes to immersing staff into an organization’s goals, he points out the importance of building alignment on the front end and how that is the responsibility of the managers. Jakada believes that while it is important to have a clear dream, leaders must also be honest about where gaps are and have a rigorous plan of how to close the gaps. Finally, he shares how the work we do is not just about social justice, but it spiritual, like a sacred calling that one must be passionate about.
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/
How to turn former gang members into nonprofit leaders
Aug 27, 2023
Leading and motivating staff is a difficult job for every leader, especially the CEO or Executive Director of an organization. Staff communication, staff conflict and staff competition are very real issues that all leaders have to navigate through as they seek to move the organization towards a common mission. Could you imagine having two staff members who are literally working side by side who are from rival gangs? What kind of potential conflict and competition would this create? This is exactly the scenario that Rob’s guest faces every day at his organization.
Rob’s guest today is Thomas Vozzo, the first ever CEO of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and reentry program in the world that helps former gang members redirect their lives and become contributing members of their community. Thomas also has a new book coming out called The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life. In it, he outlines how he went from generating billion dollar revenues and making million dollar profits to becoming a voluntary, unpaid CEO of a nonprofit built on compassion, empathy, and social justice.
Thomas Vozzo, CEO of Homeboy Industries
In this episode, Thomas provides an overview of Homeboy Industries’ beginnings and their mission of working to get young men out of gang life. He shares about the “secret sauce” of Homeboy Industries which is its unique community. He also shares what led him to leave a successful corporate career to become the organization’s CEO. Further, Thomas walks us through his leadership journey; how he built trust, cast his vision, and successfully moved the organization forward by doubling its size and impact. He explains how he has navigated the challenges of employing former clients while emphasizing the importance of understanding the long term commitment required to invest in people and help them find positions where they’ll thrive. He also discusses the challenge of being a mission-driven organization that needs to run like a for-profit business. As he gives his perspective, he shares what it’s like working with rival gang members who have been victims of racial, economic, and system-wide injustice. Thomas will also share three important lessons he learned while writing his book and the key principles of finding joy, balance, and your personal beliefs. Finally, he addresses the heavy burden of helping former gang members and prisoners heal from their pain.
Hear how three emerging Gen Z leaders are making their world better
Aug 20, 2023
Sienna Nazarian
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.
Dylan Zajac
Sienna, Robbie, and Dylan were each recipients of The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards in 2023. The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards recognize young changemakers who have made a significant impact in leading initiatives that embody the values of “tikkun olam,” which means “repairing the world” in the Hebrew language.
These three Gen Z leaders describe the mission behind their respective nonprofit organizations and what the biggest challenges have been in starting a nonprofit at such a young age. Robbie, founder of Kiddo Byte, shares how his biggest challenge has been to find quality instructors who can teach computer science in a fun and exciting way. Sienna, founder of the Refugee Empowerment Project, explains that her biggest challenge when starting was establishing credibility as a high-schooler and trying to convince larger organizations to partner with her. Dylan, founder of Computers 4 People, believes that the biggest challenge when starting is taking an idea and turning it into a sustainable nonprofit.
Robbie Khazan
Each leader also addresses the misconception that Generation Z is full of coddled individuals who struggle with attention and resilience. They believe the misconception stems from the fact that this generation grew up in the digital age and thus, is the largest consumers of social media content. They also share great advice for other nonprofit leaders on how to recruit and retain Gen Z staff and volunteers. Finally, Sienna, Robbie, and Dylan share what they believe are the biggest challenges facing their generation today and their hopes for the future.
Are you ready for the largest wealth transfer in our history?
Aug 13, 2023
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 trillion in wealth will pass from the Baby Boomers to the next generation, specifically Gen-xers and Millennials. This is a critical moment for nonprofits to connect meaningfully with their potential donors. So how can you best connect with donors in a truly meaningful way?
Rob’s guest on this episode is Lisa Greer, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, a convener and an author as of 2021. She’s the commissioner of the California State Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and the chair of the Giving Back Fund, and also has a new book called Philanthropy Revolution: How Inspired Donors Build Relationships and Make a Difference.
Lisa Greer, philanthropist and entrepreneur
Lisa addresses the potential transfer of massive wealth and what that means for nonprofits. She also shares why more nonprofits need to understand and accept donor-advised funds. One of the things she emphasizes is the need for fundraisers to treat donors as human beings and improve relationships and communication with potential donors. She discusses why nonprofit leaders must protect their organization’s brand, business and staff, and common mistakes to avoid manipulating donors when messaging about funding needs. She also explains the drawbacks of competition in the nonprofit sector as well as the huge opportunity in working with millennials both as potential donors and board members. Lisa shares why she believes nonprofits need to overhaul how they fundraise and how to maintain relationships with donors by treating them with the same care they show the communities they serve. Finally, she gives simple ways organizations can make donors feel valued and appreciated as a person instead of a dollar sign.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
What a business entrepreneur can teach nonprofit leaders
Aug 06, 2023
Earl Foote, CEO, Nexus IT Consultants
When it comes to becoming more efficient as a nonprofit organization, it can be helpful for nonprofit leaders to look outside the sector for insights and advice that one can apply to their organization. Today’s guest, Earl Foote, is a leader in the for profit sector who regularly networks with leaders in the nonprofit sector. He shares lessons he has learned over 25 years of running his company, and the transferable principles that can be applied to efficiently leading a nonprofit organization.
Earl is CEO of Nexus IT Consultants. Nexus IT provides IT services and IT support for large and small companies across Utah. As Utah’s premier IT support company, they are committed to making sure business owners have the most reliable and professional IT service.
Earl shares what it was like in the beginning days of starting his company with only $500 and very little business experience. He describes how being disciplined during turbulent economic times was extremely important for his company. Earl believes that in order to handle the current market volatility in our present times, organizations must be vigilant about understanding what’s happening in their business, run experiments, and be willing to make big pivots. When it comes to attracting and retaining top talent, Earl explains that employees want to do meaningful work and be part of a truly supportive team environment. He also highlights that if there is dysfunction within the senior leadership team, the dysfunction will exist from the top all the way to the bottom. Finally, Earl shares steps nonprofit leaders can take, to achieve better outcomes and lasting success in their organizations.
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/
How “Smart Tech” is changing the way we lead our nonprofit organizations
Jul 30, 2023
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 digital technologies are actually now making decisions for people instead of just being used by people. And that’s why they claim that this is not just a tech evolution, but a revolutionary shift in moving power away from people and towards tech.
Allison Fine, co-author of The Smart NonprofitBeth Kanter, co-author of The Smart Nonprofit
Allison and Beth address what smart tech is and what it is not, and why smart automation is so revolutionary. They discuss how nonprofits can use technology in an ethically responsible way and how to avoid using racist smart tech with embedded bias. They also share why the key message of their book is about being human centered and why nonprofits should use automation and technology to encourage innovative thinking in order to have a bigger impact. They explain how smart tech allows nonprofits to shift from being transactional to being relational and why strong leadership is really the key to implementation. They give tips for finding technology that aligns with your values and why it’s time to turn the page on frantic busyness. Finally, they share some of the most important steps organizations should take today in order to become a smart nonprofit.
#ICYMI #FromTheArchives This episode previously aired.
How is climate change and violent conflict impacting the most vulnerable around the world?
Jul 24, 2023
Jocelyn Wyatt, CEO, Alight
When we hear about the growing number of people being displaced from their home countries, we often assume it is conflict related, due to war or other political reasons. Did you know that weather related events are causing 21.5 million new displacements each year? It’s actually more than twice the number of displacements due to conflict or violence. Today’s guest, Jocelyn Wyatt, describes the effect climate change is having on the global displacement problem and how organizations like hers are focused on battling it.
Jocelyn is the CEO of Alight. Alight, formerly known as American Refugee Committee, is a global humanitarian organization working to effectively and compassionately respond to mass displacement of people worldwide. For 40 years, Alight has provided humanitarian assistance and is now working in over 20 countries around the world.
When considering the future of humanitarian aid, Jocelyn recognizes that climate change will continue to displace more people from their homes. With that in mind, she shares some of the most effective strategies to serve all these displaced individuals. Jocelyn explains that the best way to help refugees settle in and grow into their new communities is to generate solutions with them by co-creating the programs that will best serve them.
She explains that the insights her organization gains directly from the displaced refugees, helps them to design really effective programs. When it comes to offering private sponsorships to refugees seeking a new home, Jocelyn explains which countries are the best examples of what it means to show generosity and support. Finally, she shares examples of countries that are going out of their way to help refugees, even though they themselves have limited resources and displacement problems.
Jon and Becky from “We Are For Good” share their thoughts on the biggest opportunities facing nonprofits today
Jul 16, 2023
When you think about the nonprofit sector, are you looking at it with a “scarcity mindset” or an “abundance mindset”? Do you feel like you have already tapped out all your resources when it comes to finding new donors? Rob’s guests, Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott, believe that we need to be asking ourselves different questions as nonprofit leaders. They also share insights into wonderful opportunities that nonprofits are facing and how to take advantage of them.
Becky and Jon are the founders of the media company, We Are For Good. They both host the “We Are For Good” podcast where they tell stories of nonprofit leaders who are making a big difference. Their show celebrates the power of philanthropy, and equips this generation of nonprofit leaders and philanthropists with the mindsets, tools and innovative ideas to make a bigger impact than any of us could ever dream to accomplish on our own. Jon and Becky met nearly 20 years ago, when Becky hired Jon as her graphic design intern at Oklahoma State University Foundation. They ended up sticking together their entire careers in the nonprofit sector, spanning from higher ed to healthcare philanthropy. With combined more than 40 years of experience, they grew up through the ranks and lead teams in nonprofit marketing, annual giving and major gifts. By trade he’s the designer, she’s the writer, and they call themselves “marketers disguised as fundraisers.”
When it comes to thinking with an abundance mindset versus a scarcity mindset, Becky believes those in the nonprofit space need to seize the present by embracing abundant thinking and applying it to every aspect of their professional and personal lives. Jon urges leaders to not stress out about overarching trends and instead focus on what the controllables are. Jon and Becky offer their opinions on whether the nonprofit sector should be rebranded and how they would suggest it be done. Jon explains why it’s so important to own the impact one makes in the world, and that impact will attract “believers”. Believers, Becky explains, aren’t just donors who give money, but people who show up and grow movements within the nonprofit. They also describe ways to create a dynamic culture of philanthropy and specific examples of what that looks like. Finally, Jon and Becky share why nonprofit leaders need to start prioritizing community and self-growth, and why doing so will have a great impact on the future of their organizations.
How to discover and encourage untapped generosity from your current donors
Jul 09, 2023
Did you know that on average, most nonprofit leaders and organizations are only tapping into 13% of their current donors’ potential? In other words, 87% of your current donors are not being fully connected with your mission, which could in turn generate an exponential increase in their support of your organization.
Rob’s guest today is Bob Westfall, Founder and Chairman of Westfall Gold, a donor fundraising agency with a program that moves donors from transactional giving to transformational giving, while turning supporters into ambassadors. Since its founding in 2002, this organization has organized 400 Major Donor weekend fundraising events and raised almost $1.4 billion dollars on behalf of nonprofits, hospitals, churches and universities across the nation. Westfall Gold provides a service that helps nonprofits maximize their existing donors in order to make a difference with large philanthropic contributions, as well as encouraging philanthropy to become more central to these donors’ lives.
Bob Westfall, Founder and Chairman of Westfall Gold
Bob shares why he’s invested his life into raising funds for so many organizations. He also will share along the way some surprising insights from his annual Generosity Report. He explains how organizations can tap into donors already in their database and the necessity of focusing on an organization’s transformational story. He breaks down what is most important when communicating with donors and how to unlock transformational giving. He describes what fundraising should look like, and why creating community, being intentional and cultivating relationships with donors is critical. Bob discusses how nonprofit leaders can build bridges of trust by making multiple deposits in the relationship “bank” before ever trying to make a withdrawal. He also explains the value of a nonprofit’s brand and how he approaches leadership with a focus on courage. Finally, he shares the two greatest challenges that are currently facing the nonprofit sector.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com. To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is driving social change through community leadership
Jul 08, 2023
Paul Martinez, Chief Leadership and Human Capital Strategist, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The breakfast food innovator, Will Keith Kellogg, started the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in 1930 to ensure all children have an equal opportunity to realize their full potential in life. Rob’s guest, Paul Martinez, explains the history of the foundation, its mission, and also offers important insights on leadership for nonprofit organizations.
Paul is Chief Leadership and Human Capital Strategist at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The foundation is an independent, private foundation that believes all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive. WKKF invests in promoting thriving children, working families and equitable communities, as they seek to drive social change through community leadership.
Paul shares the history of WKKF and that the foundation’s mission is to invest in the thriving of the next generation. He explains the specific geographic locations the foundation focuses on when it comes to the people they serve, and how they decided upon those areas. Paul shares how he himself received philanthropic assistance as a child, and working with WKKF has been a great opportunity for him to give back to others. He believes leadership is a social process and outlines the three important factors to having a successful community leadership network. Speaking of this, Paul describes a program that WKKF started a few years ago, called the Community Leadership Network Cohort, and how it impacts leaders on both a career level and personal level. For nonprofit leaders, Paul outlines important key aspects one needs to include in a leadership development program, which includes mastering self-awareness, encouraging self-care, and establishing trust. Finally, when it comes to measuring and sharing results with your donors, Paul gives his advice to nonprofit leaders who want to improve their process of obtaining this data.
Are you maximizing all of your planned giving options?
Jul 01, 2023
Timothy Higdon, President and CEO, Hearing Health Foundation
Many nonprofit leaders don’t discuss the topic of planned giving, yet it can be a critical strategy for building a sustainable and robust nonprofit. Planned giving includes fundraising tools such as endowments and strategic reserves. Today’s guest, Timothy Higdon explains the differences between the two and the important things leaders need to consider when incorporating these planned gifts into their development strategy.
Timothy is the President and CEO at Hearing Health Foundation. The Hearing Health Foundation is the largest private funder of basic scientific and applied research to find cures for hearing loss and related conditions. Timothy is also an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University in New York City.
Timothy explains what planned giving is and how it is a great opportunity for one to leave a generous and meaningful gift to a charity, once they have passed away. He also explains the important differences between endowments and strategic reserves and how nonprofits can figure out which is more beneficial for their fundraising efforts. When it comes to a development strategy, Timothy shares that a nonprofit should follow the rule of one-thirds, in order to have a balanced revenue portfolio. He also shares the important steps a nonprofit board should follow before establishing an endowment, which include a list of policies that need to be in place. Finally, Timothy highlights the important fiduciary responsibilities of board members and why they must clearly understand the legal, moral, and ethical duties of their board service.
What are the biggest challenges facing the nonprofit sector, with special guest panel (Part 2)
Jun 28, 2023
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 in the nonprofit sector, who continue to discuss how nonprofits can improve and thrive.
Rob’s guests are Gayle Smith, Joan Garry, Alison Moore, Tony Martignetti, and Sara Lomelin. Gayle is the CEO of The ONE Campaign. Joan is the founder of Nonprofit Leadership Lab. Alison is the CEO of Comic Relief US. 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 lifting up the sector as a whole.
Rob opens up Part 2 of the discussion, by asking the panel how nonprofit organizations can improve the business side of their organizations while still maintaining their uniqueness. The panel believes that while nonprofits are not the same as a for-profit business, they do still have to have infrastructure and process in place, in order to ensure things run smoothly and efficiently. Leaders of nonprofits can pitch this type of infrastructure to their donors and team in a way that encourages the building of an organization that will have a stronger impact in the future. The panel also believes that nonprofits need to be cautious of how much they emulate for-profit organizations, so they don’t lose sight of their passion and mission. Finally, these insightful leaders explain why it is imperative for nonprofits to translate their uniqueness and importance, and how to do so in an affirmative way.
What are the biggest challenges facing the nonprofit sector, with special guest panel (Part 1)
Jun 25, 2023
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 up with solutions. With that said it is also important to recognize the successes we have experienced, in order to keep us motivated to keep moving forward. Today, we are honored to welcome five, successful leaders and thinkers in the nonprofit sector to discuss the current state of nonprofits.
Rob’s guests are Gayle Smith, Joan Garry, Alison Moore, Tony Martignetti, and Sara Lomelin. Gayle is the CEO of The ONE Campaign. Joan is the founder of Nonprofit Leadership Lab. Alison is the CEO of Comic Relief US. 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 lifting up the sector as a whole.
The panel opens the discussion, speaking to the challenges and successes in the nonprofit sector. Gayle shares a success she has noticed, in that there is more equality in virtual meetings versus in person meetings, since everyone feels more comfortable to speak up. Joan believes that organizations are not capitalizing on the opportunity to effectively invite people who are seeking to be a part of something meaningful. Tony shares his wish for organizations to invest in personal development in the people who do the hard work. Sara sees challenges around member engagement and wants to remind nonprofits to take full advantage of technology and online communities. Alison shares issues she has found with only conducting meetings online and has realized it may be beneficial for nonprofits to adopt a more hybrid approach to meetings. When it comes to the topic of future-proofing fundraising in the sector, all five of the leaders believe in the importance of storytelling and strengthening relationships. They also strongly agree that the nonprofit sector needs to be rebranded, so people will perceive the sector as a driver of the economy.
What Adobe is doing to revitalize local communities
Jun 19, 2023
Amy White, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Issues Communications, Adobe
Many of us are familiar with the multimedia software company, Adobe, and its popular products such as Photoshop, Acrobat Reader, Premiere Pro, and many more. In addition to all these creativity tools, Adobe is dedicated to philanthropy and maintains a division of Corporate Responsibility. Today’s guest, Amy White, gives us insight into Adobe’s corporate philanthropy goals and their newest initiatives.
Amy is the Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Issues Communications at Adobe. Adobe is committed to doing the right thing by focusing on people, purpose, and community through their many initiatives and programs.
Amy shares some interesting information about Adobe’s recent announcement of their Hometown Commitment initiative. She explains that Adobe feels they have an obligation to support local communities through supporting local nonprofits, in areas that Adobe employees live and work. Amy describes how Adobe integrates with local nonprofits, not just through financial grants but by offering human resources and products. She explains what Adobe’s two core principles are when it comes to corporate philanthropy and how these principles allow them to enter into a partnership with nonprofits that allows the nonprofits to be in the driver seat. When it comes to corporate philanthropy, Amy believes there is a way to have profitability while doing good in the community, and that they don’t have to exist in tension with one another. Finally, she describes one of Adobe’s biggest investments yet, the Equity and Advancement Initiative with Racial and Social Justice Nonprofits.
How you can build a culture of trust through listening
Jun 18, 2023
Rachael Grail, Senior Consultant for Interaction Associates
Did you know that employees are five times more likely to perform their best work if they believe their leader is truly listening to them? If you want to be a leader that establishes a culture of trust in your organization, then you need to make the skill of listening, your ally. Today’s guest, Rachael Grail, talks about why listening is such a vital attribute to building trust, and how you can improve your listening by raising your level of emotional intelligence.
Rob’s guest is Rachael Grail, Senior Consultant for Interaction Associates. Interaction Associates is a global leader in developing conscious collaboration in the workplace – including mindful ways of working together that allow leaders, teams, and change agents to achieve superior business results.
Rachael shares why listening and being listened to is such a fundamental experience, especially in an organizational context. She states that many leaders do not listen effectively because they often reach conclusions without knowing all the data. Rachael also describes what it means to “listen as an ally,” and explains the connection between listening and one’s level of emotional intelligence. She shares the top three steps a leader should take to improve their emotional intelligence. Finally, Rachael believes that transparency and vulnerability are important to cultivating a culture of trust in your organization.
Live from Amazon Web Service’s (AWS) Summit Washington event featuring Allyson Fryhoff
Jun 12, 2023
Allyson Fryhoff and Sarah Wilber
You will remember that we had previously spoken to Allyson Fryhoff of Amazon Web Services, who explained how AWS provides many tech tools to nonprofits. Today, Allyson is back along with Sarah Wilber of the Kennedy Center. The Kennedy Center was the winner of the 2022 AWS Imagine Grant Award. Sarah shares how winning this grant and working with AWS has made an impact on her organization.
Rob’s guests are Allyson Fryhoff and Sarah Wilber. Allyson is the Managing Director of Nonprofit and Nonprofit Health at Amazon Web Services. Sarah is the Vice President of Capital Campaigns and Strategic Planning at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Kennedy Center is the nation’s performing arts center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
Sarah shares that the goal of the Kennedy Center is to make sure their programming and patron base is diverse and rich, just like the fabric of the United States. She explains that in order to achieve this goal, the organization need to make sense of the millions of data points they have in their system. Sarah discusses that in 2021, the organization seeked to launch an endowment campaign and realized they needed to do something more effective than just implementing a feasibility study. Sarah and her team decided to reach out to AWS in order to get guidance on how to implement a strong, predictable model in their native database. Sarah goes on to describe the many ways this new model was able to make their fundraising more effective. Finally, Allyson shares the many ways AWS helps nonprofits, whether it be through programs, grants, or through their solutions catalog. She also explains the importance data brings to the efficiency and effectiveness of nonprofits organizations.
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 is your intended impact and theory of change, and why does it matter?
Jun 05, 2023
Preeta Nayak, researcher and partner, The Bridgespan Group
When it comes to making the best decisions for the future of your organization, you need to go about this strategically. Two very essential factors necessary for strategic planning are “intended impact” and “theory of change.” Today’s guest, Preeta Nayak, explains what these factors are and why they are necessary to the success of your nonprofit.
Rob’s guest is Preeta Nayak, a researcher and partner at The Bridgespan Group. The Bridgespan Group is a global nonprofit organization that collaborates with mission-driven leaders, organizations, philanthropists, and investors to break cycles of poverty and dramatically improve the quality of life for those in need.
Preeta explains that a nonprofit’s mission is often too broad to actually be a good decision tool, and encourages nonprofit leaders to use two, more specific tools instead. She explains that these two tools are an organization’s “intended impact” and one’s “theory of change.” She goes on to describe what they mean and why they are so important for decision making. Preeta also shares some information from a recent article The Bridgespan Group released, that describes how they helped other organizations go through a strategic planning process. She encourages leaders to read this article in order to figure out what their intended impact and theory of change is. Preeta also describes what inclusive decision making should look like in an organization. Finally, she urges current decision makers to set up and train new decision makers for success, through maximizing their experience and wisdom.
Michael Lamb, F.M. Kirby Foundation Chair of Leadership and Character at Wake Forest
Have you considered the importance of character and virtue when it comes to leading? For many, these terms are either assumed or may seem old fashioned. Either way, they can often be disconnected to their impact on leadership. Rob’s guest, Michael Lamb, explains what character and virtue mean as they relate to leadership, how they together are directly related, and the strategies we can use to cultivate our character.
Michael is the F.M. Kirby Foundation Chair of Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University.
Michael first begins the conversation by explaining what character means and how those with good habits of character will inhabit certain virtues. He goes on to describe five specific virtues that are crucial to leadership, but are often ignored. He points out that one cannot simply “hack” their way to good character, and that it takes time to habituate these important virtues over time. Michael shares that more universities are developing character building programs, which will help to prepare their students for a meaningful future. He shares that it’s important to talk about character, not only in universities, but in nonprofits and companies. In order to do this, Michael explains that we need to shift our focus away from abstract ideas of character and instead focus on particular virtues themselves. Michael also describes seven strategies for character cultivation that we can implement in order to become better leaders. Finally, he shares how we can be exemplars of virtuous leadership to those around us.
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/
How to motivate your team towards mission alignment
May 22, 2023
Maryanne Dersch
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 who helps nonprofit leaders master the art of influence so they can raise more money and lead more effectively. Dersch is the author of Courageous Communication: How Codependence Is Making Your Nonprofit Brand Boring and What To Do About It. She is also the host of the podcast, The Influential Nonprofit.
Maryanne coaches nonprofit leaders on effective leadership and she believes the biggest barrier to achieving this is trying to use external strategies to solve internal emotional conflicts. She explains that if leaders want to foster a healthy team environment, they need to recognize how important emotions are in everyday decision making. Maryanne believes if leaders really listen to others, without an agenda, they will create a feeling of trust because others will feel seen and understood. Maryanne also suggests that leaders should actually lean into rejections and conflict, because avoiding these challenges can create more problems. She shares the three things that are needed in order to bring about positive change in an organization, and how leaders can actually influence their team to implement the changes they want to see. Finally, Maryanne urges leaders to raise their standards for what they will or will not allow, and how raising those standards will benefit the future of the organization.
Strategies for helping to cultivate social change
May 15, 2023
Jacob Harold, author of The Toolbox:Strategies for Crafting Social Impact and Co-founder of Candid
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, Candid was formed from a merger of the two organizations known as GuideStar and Foundation Center. Candid is a nonprofit that provides comprehensive data and insights about the social sector.
Jacob believes that while it is not possible to predict the future, it can be helpful for nonprofits to map out a clear hypothesis of how they intend to bring about social impact. He also believes that by stating clearly your intentions for social impact, you are creating opportunities for both accountability and learning. Jacob explains how using mathematical models and measurement can offer benefits to nonprofit organizations, and why it does not have to be complicated to use. He also explains how using the tool of storytelling can help you to figure out who your nonprofit is focusing on, what challenges you are confronting, and how to get to that better place in the end. When speaking of different tools nonprofits can use, Jacob highlights the importance of influencing behaviors in a morally respectful way, in order not to be manipulative. Finally, Jacob describes why Guidestar and Foundation Center merged to form Candid, and his hope for working side by side with other similar organizations.
How to Make Better and Wiser Decisions Part 2
May 10, 2023
Dr. Sheila Ohlsson Walker
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 psychologist and Sheila is a behavioral geneticist. They both are co-authors of the book, Wise Decisions: A Science-Based Approach to Making Better Choices.
In Jim and Sheila’s book, Wise Decisions, they describe the most important coach one can have in life is their YODA. Sheila and Jim define YODA as “your own decision advisor,” also known as one’s inner voice. Sheila warns that one’s inner voice is so powerful, that it can either be a coach or an adversary if not careful. Jim seconds that notion and urges us to learn how to train and educate the YODA we all have inside us. Jim and Sheila each share a piece of practical advice on how to start training one’s YODA. Jim explains why it’s so important for leaders of organizations to teach their team how to make better decisions. He says the first step a leader must take in order to do this, is to take care of themselves first by making their wellness a priority. Finally, Sheila poses a thought provoking question at the end, for all the listeners to really reflect on as they move forward.
How to Make Better and Wiser Decisions Part 1
May 07, 2023
Dr. Sheila Ohlsson Walker
You may be surprised to learn that we humans make on average 35,000 decisions in a single day! Some decisions are fairly inconsequential, while others greatly impact our lives. Today’s guests discuss why this skill of making decisions is imperative for the trajectory of our lives, as well as how to make the best decisions possible.
Rob’s guests are Dr. Jim Loehr and Dr. Sheila Ohlsson Walker. Jim is a well known performance psychologist and Sheila is a behavioral geneticist. They both are co-authors of the book, Wise Decisions: A Science-Based Approach to Making Better Choices.
Jim and Sheila share what their education and careers looked like, before pivoting into the field of studying human decision making. When it comes to decision making, they explain that the process involves the whole brain, not just certain areas. They also highlight that it’s not just the brain involved in decision making, but the whole body, too. Jim and Sheila discuss the important role our health has in our ability to make better decisions. Sheila explains that we should not be making a false dichotomy between our physical health and mental health, since the same molecules throughout our bodies affect our mental, physical and emotional health. Jim repeats that same sentiment by reminding us that all of these dimensions are affecting our decision making since we humans are integrated beings. Jim explains why having a strong purpose and clear values are both critical aspects to how we make wise decisions. Finally, Sheila describes the top 3 factors that determine brain health, which in turn will help us make better decisions.
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/
How you can improve your grant funding asks
Apr 30, 2023
Holly Rustick
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 grant writers, so nonprofits can grow capacity, increase funding, and advance their mission. She also coaches freelance grant writers on how to improve their skills and grow their grant writing business.
Holly explains that due to the restrictions placed on and limited lifespan of grants, nonprofits cannot solely rely on grants for their budget. She shares what percentage of a nonprofit’s budget should come from grant funding. Holly also believes that nonprofits should consider hiring freelance grant writers and shares all the benefits in doing so. Holly explains that before you look for funding, you need to first create a master grant template. She describes what this template is and why it is so important to the grant funding process. Holly discusses why the traditional storytelling appeal does not work well in grant writing, and offers suggestions on how to write better grant letters. She also explains the two main things grant funding sources are looking for and how having a strong portfolio can help you meet that criteria. Finally, Holly discusses the importance of a strong relationship between the grant writer and the executive director, and how having effective grant meetings can prevent poor communication and lost time.
Mark Gauthier, Vice President and Executive Director, U.S. for Cru
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, nonprofit organization. Cru sends people across the United States and to other parts of the world. Cru offers spiritual guidance, resources and programs tailored to people from all cultures in every walk of life.
Mark offers his answer to whether leaders are born or made and he believes that nature and nurture can work together to create great leaders. He explains that training and skill development are just as important as character development, when it comes to the growth of young leaders. Mark believes that self-leadership is vital because it helps us to handle the ups and downs of life. He also shares what traits the most effective leaders have, and why good leaders must also know how to be good followers. Mark explains that a servant leader uses their humility to both elevate others to succeed and to accept personal responsibility when things don’t go well. He agrees that leaders can often feel lonely and drained over time, and offers specific ways one can replenish themself after feeling fatigued. Mark gives four steps that a leader needs to implement in order to balance trusting your team and correcting them. Finally, he shares the reason for why he has so much hope for the future.
How our experience with leadership impacts how we view leadership
Apr 17, 2023
Darren Isom, partner, The Bridgespan Group
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 as: assessing leadership competency, the importance of self-leadership, and the benefits to a collaborative leadership model in nonprofit organizations. What he finds is both interesting and insightful when it comes to this whole issue of how we view leadership and how we develop leaders.
Darren is a partner at The Bridgespan Group, which consults with nonprofits, NGOs, donors, and investors to advance learning and accelerate the impact of their work and philanthropy. Darren co-leads the firm’s commitment to advance racial equity in philanthropy and is also the host of the podcast Dreaming in Color: Creating New Narratives in Leadership.
Darren discusses a recent article he co-wrote, “Lessons on Leadership and Community from 25 Leaders of Color,” published by the Harvard Business Review. He explains that because leaders of color engage the world differently, they can leverage a different set of skills to positively impact the organizations they are a part of. Darren believes that the nonprofit sector is lacking when it comes to properly assessing leadership competency, and that nonprofits need to bring on different players to strengthen their teams. He shares that there is a commonality in the leaders of color, when it comes to where their motivation originates from. Darren explains what self-leadership looks like and why it is so important for the individual to be securely anchored in knowing who they are and what they bring to the table. He recognizes that having a leadership role can be difficult, and offers advice on how to become comfortable in the discomfort. Darren compares a “command and control” style of leadership to a collaborative model of leadership, and shares the many benefits he has seen in nonprofits with the co-leadership model. Finally, Darren explains that while we may be living in chaotic times, that chaos itself can be a sign of winning.
How to overcome the most common barriers for growing as a leader
Apr 10, 2023
Scott Jeffrey Miller, speaker, bestselling author, and podcast host
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, speaker, bestselling author, and podcast host. Scott hosts two podcasts, “On Leadership with Scott Miller” and “C-Suite Conversations with Scott Miller.” Scott is also the Senior Advisor on Thought Leadership at FranklinCovey, where he has been working for over 25 years.
Scott shares the reason why he decided to write a book series called Master Mentors, which includes deep insights from different podcast guests he has interviewed each year. He notices that the two things all of his guests have in common include a relentless worth ethic and an “abundance” mindset. Scott shares questions we can ask ourselves in order to challenge our ingrained mindsets. He also gives us steps we should take in order to identify and establish core values in our lives. Scott believes that it is possible to maintain your core values, even if you change your mindset or perspective on a topic. He believes you can be respectful to others even if you may not share the same values or agree with their choices. Scott explains that an effective leader is one who is emotionally agile and able to admit to and grow from their mistakes. Finally, Scott hopes his books will speak to a wide variety of people, in different points and roles in their life.
How this nonprofit is elevating the importance of hiring people with disabilities
Apr 03, 2023
Lloyd Lewis, CEO, Arc Thrift Stores
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, but doing so will benefit your organization in countless ways.
Lloyd Lewis is a dedicated advocate for people with IDD and serves as CEO of Arc Thrift Stores in Colorado. Arc Thrift Stores is one of Colorado’s largest employers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, believing that by providing gainful and enriching employment and educational programming, people with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities will thrive and gain independence.
Lloyd believes workplace diversity is so important to any organization and that it has been the key to the success of his business at Arc Thrift Stores. He explains that there are over 6 million people in the USA with intellectual disabilities and that 80% of them are unemployed. Lloyd regularly speaks about this issue through discussions, documentaries, and films. He also describes the common misconceptions and myths he hears from hiring managers about hiring people with IDD. Lloyd has seen first hand in his own business, the many benefits to hiring people with IDD. He believes that disability and inclusion in the workplace increases performance, innovation, and productivity. Finally, he shares how Arc Thrift Stores is continuing to grow their company by hiring more people and by expanding into other states.
How one nonprofit is promoting both mental and digital wellbeing
Mar 27, 2023
Larissa (Larz) May, founder, Half the Story.
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, founder of the nonprofit organization called Half the Story. Half the Story is dedicated to fostering digital wellbeing for the next generation through education, advocacy, and building community.
Larz shares a story about how she realized the device in her pocket was an addiction and that the relationship with her phone was an unhealthy one. She recognized the need to look at the role technology plays in our mental health, and eventually founded Half the Story. Larz describes what the term “digital wellbeing” refers to and admits that we cannot achieve this wellbeing without developing skills of mindful modification. She believes too much of technology is designed to manipulate us and that we need to wake up to the monumental impacts it can have on our lives. Larz describes the many ways Half the Story is helping to educate and empower youth to not only improve their own digital wellbeing, but to become involved in advocacy in order to bring positive change for all.
Finally, she shares how her organization is focusing on the educational environment and their hopes to make digital wellbeing education a norm in schools.
How this nonprofit is providing the gift of mobility to people all over the world
Mar 20, 2023
Nuka Solomon, CEO, Free Wheelchair Mission
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 Solomon, share how they are providing free wheelchairs to people all over the world.
Rob’s guests are Don Schoendorfer and Nuka Solomon, the leaders behind the nonprofit called Free Wheelchair Mission. Don is the President and Founder, while Nuka is the CEO. Free Wheelchair Mission is a humanitarian, faith-based nonprofit that designs and manufactures cost-efficient, durable wheelchairs for developing countries around the world.
Don Schoendorfer, President and Founder, Free Wheelchair Mission
Don and Nuka explain how they were both struck by the vast need for wheelchairs in the world, which led them to being part of this mission. An estimated 75 million people across the world lack mobility. They explain the details involved in getting wheelchairs to recipients and the manufacturing and engineering aspects to their organization. Don and Nuka discuss how their organization shares meaningful stories with donors in order to help them get more connected to the cause. They also explain how they have been able to build strong, lasting relationships with their partners in over 30 countries. Nuka believes it is important for nonprofit leaders to get into the field and engage with recipients first hand, in order to relate to what the rest of the organization’s team is experiencing. Don believes that their success is attributed to God’s desire to give the miracle of mobility to people who are in need. Finally, Nuka explains that the biggest challenge facing all nonprofits is the fact that donors are inundated with the many problems and needs the world has. She says nonprofits need to figure out ways to grab the attention of a distracted society and get them interested in giving back.
How you can become a changemaker through “micro-leadership”
Mar 13, 2023
Alex Budak, professor at University of California, Berkeley and author of “Becoming a Changemaker.”
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, Alex Budak, is a professor at University of California, Berkeley as well as the author of “Becoming a Changemaker.” His book is a fresh, inspiring and research-backed guide to developing the mindsets and leadership skills needed to navigate, shape, and lead change and to make a positive impact in our lives, career, and communities.
Alex explains why resistance to change is normal in an organization, and what leaders can do to effectively overcome that resistance. He shares that he had an epiphany moment while living in India, that greatly influenced the work he is doing now as a professor. Alex describes a new concept called “micro-leadership” and how each one of us can put this into practice everyday. He goes into what the common traits are that change makers have and what it actually means to be resilient. Alex shares why action is necessary if a leader seeks to have an impact. He explains the initial steps leaders should take when trying to influence their team to come on board with change. Finally, Alex explains the one area that nonprofit leaders are leaning too heavily on and what they need to do to be successful.
How Petco is impacting the lives of both pets and humans
Mar 06, 2023
Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love
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. Petco Love was founded in 1999 and they serve as a leader and partner in animal welfare. The organization’s mission is to create a better world for animals and the people who love and need them. Petco Love does this by empowering animal welfare organizations by investing $330 million in adoption and other life saving efforts.
Susanne explains the large impact that pets have on our lives as individuals and as a community. She shares that Petco Love is committed to ending unnecessary euthanasia on pets, and will be granting $15 million in investments to animal welfare partners across the US. Susanne believes that growing pains are necessary when an organization is faced with changes, and leaders must recognize and communicate both the challenges and benefits to their team. She also shares why it is so important to constantly look at the efforts of similar nonprofits, when figuring out what lane your organization is best suited for. Susanne describes two very important projects that Petco Love started. One is to help lost pets find their families and the other is to to help prevent pets from getting deadly and costly diseases. Finally, she explains the various ways that Petco Love seeks to be an advocacy organization for pets.
How Habitat for Humanity is developing creative solutions to our housing crisis
Feb 27, 2023
Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity
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. Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Jonathan explains how existing trends were made worse due to the COVID pandemic and why he thinks things will continue to remain complex for the nonprofit sector for years to come. He also shares the two biggest leadership lessons he was taught due to the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Jonathan believes that community service is the antidote to polarization in our world. He describes ways in which Habitat for Humanity is being more intentional in building bridges between people of different backgrounds. Jonathan also explains that unrestrictive giving is critical due to the impact nonprofits can have through these kinds of donations. Finally, he discusses the initiatives that Habitat for Humanity is focusing on, in order to alleviate the current housing crisis.
To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
How you can bring positive change to your organization
Feb 20, 2023
Hal Donaldson, founder & CEO of Convoy of Hope
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. Convoy of Hope is a faith-based, nonprofit organization with a driving passion to feed the world through children’s feeding initiatives, community outreaches and disaster response. For the past 30 years, Convoy of Hope has been dedicated to bringing help and hope to those who are impoverished, hungry, and hurting.
Hal discusses why change is so hard to accept and how leaders must earn the right to bring about change to their organizations. He shares the two exercises his organization goes through when doing an internal “audit”, that can help position your organization for desired positive changes. Hal discusses what it looks like when an organization’s mission and values are not aligned and what leaders can do to remedy that problem. He also shares what has made his nonprofit successful for the past 30 years. Hal describes a unique opportunity he had to interview Mother Theresa and how a simple lesson she gave changed his life. He believes that giving hope is a lot easier and a lot less expensive than one would think. Finally, Hal gives countless examples of the selfless acts he witnesses, that are bringing him hope for the future.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
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Walmart has a new way they are giving back to nonprofits
Feb 13, 2023
Julie Gehrki, Vice President of Philanthropy at Walmart
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 President of Philanthropy at Walmart. Last year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provided more than $1.5 billion in cash and in-kind to support programs that align with their philanthropic priorities. Through the combined philanthropic efforts of both Walmart and the Walmart Foundation, Walmart is creating opportunities for people to live better every day.
Julie shares information on Walmart’s new social impact program, Spark Good, and how it is meeting both the needs of customers and the local nonprofits they want to support. She explains the four main tools that make up the Spark Good program, and how each of these tools offer support to the various needs nonprofits may have. Julie also shares that Walmart often matches customer donations and fulfills the material requests of the nonprofits they work with. Julie believes companies cannot have real impact if they are not truly listening. That is why Walmart is trying to thoughtfully walk alongside both local communities and nonprofits, to really understand their needs. Julie offers advice to large companies who are seeking to make an impact by becoming involved in philanthropy. Finally, she shares some insight into Walmart as a whole and what she wishes more people knew about the corporation.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
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How to bring technological change to your organization
Feb 06, 2023
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, Heller Consulting
Jeffrey Appell and Keith Heller are the leaders behind Heller Consulting. Team Heller is commited to helping nonprofit organizations & higher education institutions, developing and implementing technology strategies and ecosystems. Jeffrey is the CEO and Keith is the Founder and Chief Strategist for Heller Consulting.
Team Heller often refers to the term “technology ecosystem” and they explain what a technology ecosystem is and how it is supportive to the work and mission of nonprofits. They explain not only the importance of the implementation of these technology strategies, but the critical things a nonprofit needs to identify before implementing technology changes. Team Heller shares why they believe the best time to bring change to an organization is when things are going well. They also believe that nonprofits can actually enhance their relationships by using technology, in order to connect better than before. Finally, they share the biggest challenges leaders face when making a significant tech investment and what nonprofit leaders can do to approach those challenges.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
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How the Visa Foundation is helping both local and global nonprofits
Jan 30, 2023
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 Macmillan, President at the Visa Foundation
Graham is the President at the Visa Foundation. The Visa Foundation seeks to support inclusive economies where individuals, businesses and communities can thrive. Through grants and investments, the Foundation prioritizes the growth of gender diverse and inclusive small and micro businesses. The Foundation also supports broader community needs and disaster response in times of crisis.
Graham explains how the Visa Foundation is meant to support Visa’s overall purpose by uplifting everyone everywhere. He also explains that gender and underrepresented communities are at the center of their strategy. When it comes to institutional philanthropy, he believes that foundations should be rewarded for giving more. Graham speaks to the dynamic between those with capital and those who seek access to capital and how too often the power dynamic is not equitable. He also discusses why it is so important to not only adapt and evolve with changes, but to be a driver to change. Graham also shares how the Visa Foundation looks at an enterprise as a whole when investing and why investors should give unrestricted gifts to their nonprofit partners. Finally, he shares the value that corporate foundations, like the Visa Foundation, can bring to smaller nonprofit organizations.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
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Do we have a “worker shortage” in America or a “quality jobs shortage”?
Jan 23, 2023
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 Howard, President & CEO, The James Irvine Foundation
Don is the President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation, in California. The James Irvine Foundation is a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation dedicated to expanding opportunity for the people of California. Their goal is to ensure that every low income worker in California has the power to advance economically.
Don explains that there is a shortage of quality jobs and he describes what a quality job is. While he believes there is a shortage of quality jobs, he is optimistic things will improve as more and more employers recognize the need to improve the jobs they are offering. Don also explains the reasons why workers have been languishing over their jobs for many years, and he shares the various ways philanthropy can play a role in making equitable prosperity obtainable for low paid workers. Don shares success stories of California communities with improved inclusive economic development and the role nonprofits played in achieving that. Don also describes the biggest challenges facing the nonprofit sector and what needs to be done to overcome them. Finally, he offers words of encouragement directed to both funders and nonprofit leaders.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Why community foundations play a critical role in the success of the nonprofit sector
Jan 16, 2023
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 Zarrow, President and CEO of Park City Community Foundation
Joel explains the two main roles that most community foundations focus on and shares how his community foundation is different compared to others. He also describes the difference between donor advised funds through community foundations versus those with large financial institutions. Joel shares an inspiring example of a successful collaboration between the Park City Community Foundation, nonprofits, and for-profit companies. He believes it is important for community foundations and nonprofit organizations to have a close relationship and he explains what an ideal relationship would entail. Joel explains the problems with restrictive donations and the types of reports nonprofits are expected to make. Finally, he shares what he is most looking forward to in 2023.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
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How to improve your organization’s diversity and inclusion with recruiting
Jan 09, 2023
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 qualified candidates from underrepresented populations.
Matt is the Co-founder and CEO of Paragon One. Paragon One unites the worlds of education and workforce together, through externship programs. Paragon One uses the power of technology to collaborate with organizations, to provide flexible remote externships that help students gain hands-on work experience in different industries before they graduate.
Matt Wilkerson, Co-founder & CEO of Paragon One
Matt explains what inspired the mission of Paragon One and their goal of leveraging technology in a way that benefits students and companies. He describes the problems with traditional internships and how their approach offers a great ROI to companies while also providing real world opportunities to students from all over the world. Matt explains how Paragon One is able to reach underrepresented students. He also highlights the benefits to the students in the programs and shares some success stories from the externs. Matt outlines Paragon One’s three core value propositions and also shares how his company gets their funding. Finally, he believes that nonprofit organizations need to keep human connection at the heart of everything.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
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What Amazon Web Services is doing to empower nonprofits to go further and faster
Jan 02, 2023
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 world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. AWS provides cloud solutions to nonprofits, that can help with fundraising, donor engagement and donor retention.
Allyson Fryhoff, Managing Director of Nonprofit and Nonprofit Health at Amazon Web Services
Allyson explains how their new program, Tech Action, is supporting nonprofits in building fundraising, growing donations, and improving member engagement. Allyson believes nonprofits need to effectively connect and communicate with donors, and she shares how the Tech Action program is helping with these and other fundraising efforts. She explains how AWS can help organizations collect donor data and simplify it into visual systems so nonprofit leaders can make faster and better decisions. Allyson also shares how the use of these ‘high tech’ tools can actually help provide nonprofit leaders more time to invest in ‘high touch’ relationships with donors while also helping them to scale. Finally, she provides information about the Imagine Grant Program that AWS offers to 501c3 organizations.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
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What is your personal mission?
Dec 26, 2022
Steve Creech, President of the Wyland Foundation
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 your organization needs to be the “North Star”, just as many of us have a personal “North Star” that gives us direction.
Rob’s guest, Steve Creech, is the President of the Wyland Foundation. The Wyland Foundation is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects, and community events.
Steve tells us how the Wyland Foundation started and gives advice on how to create sustainable organizational growth. He explains a common obstacle organizations must overcome and why nonprofits must get others to care about their important mission as well. Steve goes on to share how his nonprofit started a fun competition across the United States that is having a positive impact on environmental change. Steve admits that establishing a clear mission throughout an organization is a long process, but it is worth it. Finally, he explains the best way to establish a brand footprint and how that clarity can positively impact a nonprofit’s finances.
Links to Resources: If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at Nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
How “Smart Tech” is changing the way we lead our nonprofit organizations
Dec 19, 2022
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 digital technologies are actually now making decisions for people instead of just being used by people. And that’s why they claim that this is not just a tech evolution, but a revolutionary shift in moving power away from people and towards tech.
Allison Fine, co-author of The Smart NonprofitBeth Kanter, co-author of The Smart Nonprofit
Allison and Beth address what smart tech is and what it is not, and why smart automation is so revolutionary. They discuss how nonprofits can use technology in an ethically responsible way and how to avoid using racist smart tech with embedded bias. They also share why the key message of their book is about being human centered and why nonprofits should use automation and technology to encourage innovative thinking in order to have a bigger impact. They explain how smart tech allows nonprofits to shift from being transactional to being relational and why strong leadership is really the key to implementation. They give tips for finding technology that aligns with your values and why it’s time to turn the page on frantic busyness. Finally, they share some of the most important steps organizations should take today in order to become a smart nonprofit.
#ICYMI #FromTheArchives This episode previously aired.
How to increase the number of women of color in tech leadership
Dec 12, 2022
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, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and is the CEO of NPower. NPower is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for women of color, military veterans, and young adults from underserved communities.
Bertina Ceccarelli, CEO of NPower
Bertina shares what led her to working with NPower and how her childhood experience was very similar to the lives of those she serves in the organization. She explains that one of NPower’s main objectives is to double the number of women of color in tech. They are making this possible through partnerships with other passionate leaders in the tech industry. Bertina explains that in order for a nonprofit to be healthy, they must invest in leadership development. She shares two important leadership skills needed for those running nonprofits. Finally, Bertina offers her advice to nonprofit leaders on how they can work through the challenging economic times we are facing.
If you have questions, suggestions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Is It Possible to Achieve a Healthy Balance Between Work and Home?
Dec 05, 2022
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, the hard edges between work and home have become even more difficult to define.
Megan Hyatt Miller, Author of Win at Work and Succeed at Life
Rob’s guest today is Megan Hyatt Miller, who has written a book about work-life balance. Her new book is entitled: Win at Work and Succeed at Life: 5 Principles to Free Yourself From the Cult of Overwork. Megan believes understanding the impact of work-life balance is a conversation that both nonprofit and for-profit leaders must continue to have.
Megan describes the innovative way her company introduced a 6-hour workday, the surprising results of this change while debunking the myth that overworking improves productivity. She explains why more leaders need to embrace work-life balance as a performance strategy, not just a philosophical discussion. She also defines what a “double-win” means and why getting clear on non-negotiables for self care, relational priorities, and professional results is mission critical. Finally, Megan talks about how COVID has allowed leaders to view their people more holistically.
#ICYMI #FromThe Archives This episode previously aired.
Why your culture determines your brand
Nov 28, 2022
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, Culture Built My Brand, along with Mark Miller. Ted is also a Brand and Culture Strategist at Historic Agency. Historic Agency helps organizations build a brand that matters through brand strategy and design.
Ted Vaughn, co-author of “Culture Built My Brand” and serves as Brand and Culture Strategist at Historic Agency
Ted explains how many times nonprofits create their brand in a way that is disconnected from their actual culture and performance. He also believes that many nonprofits are not being intentional about their culture, which can lead to creating “mission drift.” Ted points out that clarity and organizational health are the two drivers to an overall healthy culture. Ted discusses the five pillars of a brand, and how nonprofits can create a strategic roadmap. He also shares why a “brand gap” is harmful to your organization and offers ways to fix it. Finally, Ted explains why branding is so important for nonprofits to get right, and offers advice to leaders as to how they can start to develop a brand strategy.
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 Nayak, was motivated by a problem and a need in his community to start a foundation to help address this. He explains the reason why he started this foundation and how he is able to maintain balance while wearing multiple hats.
Rob’s guest, Doctor David Nayak, is board certified in allergy, immunology and internal medicine. Nayak is the founder of Strength To Love Foundation. The Strength To Love Foundation passionately believes that all human beings have the universal rights to liberty, food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education and work. Nayak is also the founder of Nayak Farms, which is tackling food insecurity throughout Illinois and other parts of the Midwest.
Doctor David Nayak, founder of Strength to Love Foundation
David explains the many disparities he witnessed across Illinois, especially concerning health care, food, and gun violence. He decided to make it his mission to help his community by starting both The Strength to Love Foundation and Nayak Farms. Combined, David and his teams are able to provide free asthma and allergy care, free fresh food, and free funeral services to victims of gun violence. David also explains how he is able to focus on his personal life, even as a busy, nonprofit executive director. Finally David shares why he believes mental health is equally as important as physical health.
Links to Resources: If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
How to improve your grant writing
Nov 14, 2022
Gauri Manglik, CEO & Co-founder of Instrumentl
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, tracking and management into one place. The platform uses a personalized process to help grant seekers discover, research, and track their grants.
Gauri explains the top 3 reasons why nonprofits are inefficient with their fundraising and grant prospecting. She believes that if you measure things quantitatively, you can avoid these mistakes. Gauri also outlines the 4 things you need to do, in order to be successful with your grant seeking and why focusing on the funder’s perspective is vital to your success. Gauri discusses why funders require a “logic model” for grant applications. She explains exactly what a logic model is and the benefits to this type of framework for your whole organization. She shares the importance of a “win – win” mindset and why you need to be confident before you reach out to funders. Finally, she discusses why nonprofit leaders should consider offering competitive compensation to their staff.
Links to Resources: If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@robharter.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Preparing your organization for the future of giving
Nov 07, 2022
When it comes to auditing the donations coming into your nonprofit organization, have you ever thought about where your donations are primarily coming from? Today’s guest, Vance Roush, explains why nonprofits need to offer donors more options especially the option to give from their stocks.
Rob’s guest, Vance Roush, is the founder of Overflow. Overflow makes generosity frictionless by helping nonprofits, churches, and corporations easily accept stock, crypto, and cash donations on a secure donation platform.
Vance Roush, founder of Overflow.
Vance explains that nonprofits should encourage donations from non-cash assets, since 90% of a donor’s wealth is stored in these kinds of holdings. Vance realized the difficulty in accepting non-cash donations and knew he could create a win-win situation for both donors and nonprofits. This is what led him to create Overflow. He explains how the frictionless process of donating through Overflow leads to bigger gifts and how it benefits both the donor and the nonprofit which is receiving the donation. Vance also shares that we will see more donations coming from stock holdings and crypto currency. Finally, he offers advice for anyone who is uncomfortable with crypto currency and how they can think about it differently.
Links to Resources: If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
How Can You Future-Proof Your Fundraising?
Oct 31, 2022
2020 skyrocketed the move to online giving for all donors who give to nonprofits. Organizations who already had a clear and robust process for donors to give online really benefited—those who didn’t, really struggled. They struggled to keep their giving on par with previous years. Now, the question for all nonprofits of how to “future-proof” fundraising is constantly on our collective minds. So how does your organization go about doing that? Rob’s guest shares some fascinating data points gleaned from a recent report on the “state of philanthropy” within the nonprofit sector and why an easy and efficient online giving experience for your donors is absolutely essential for your organization’s future success and sustainability.
Elizabeth Pun, Manager of Content at Classy
Rob’s guest today is Elizabeth Pun, Manager of Content at Classy. Classy is a B-Corp that focuses on closing the gap between nonprofit and for-profit businesses and Elizabeth is the primary editor of Classy’s recent report entitled: The State of Modern Philanthropy 2021.
Elizabeth explains how empowering your event attendees to fundraise can organically increase your donations and provide more engagement. She breaks down why recurring giving, subscription services, and donation matching are excellent strategies to drive more funds and donations to your organization. Finally, Elizabeth shares valuable insight about creating a more robust online giving experience, and a powerful reminder that if you want to maximize donations to help safeguard and scale your organization, you must be able and willing to meet donors where they are. (This episode previously aired)
Why are donor advised funds increasingly being used to fund nonprofits?
Oct 24, 2022
Despite the market being hit hard as of late, thankfully charitable giving has remained resilient. One particular tool that is fueling philanthropy is Donor Advised Funds (DAF). Today’s guest, Stephen Kump, explains the benefits of this fast growing tool and why so many donors prefer to give through a DAF.
Rob’s guest, Stephen Kump, is the co-founder and CEO of Charityvest. Charityvest is a startup that simplifies the setup and management of a Donor Advised Fund. A DAF is a third-party entity set up to manage the charitable donations of individuals, families, and/or organizations.
Stephen Kump, Co-founder and CEO of Charityvest
Rob and Stephen discuss a recent report from Fidelity Charitable where it is reported that DAFs have helped to sustain philanthropic giving. Stephen explains that while the market cycles may go up and down, it does not affect donor giving. Stephen compares his nonprofit to old DAFs of the past and explains how Charityvest offers a frictionless experience, low fees, and low barriers. Stephen describes the yearly contributions going into Donor Advised Funds and why donors prefer giving to a DAF. Stephen and Rob also discuss why philanthropy is democratizing DAF’s for more people in the future.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Are the days of having a singular Executive Director leading a nonprofit over?
Oct 17, 2022
Brooke Pace McKenna, Executive Director of The Hunger Coalition
The traditional model of having a singular Executive Director can actually be an unsustainable way to lead an organization. This model can be overwhelming for one person and often leads to burn out. Today’s guests are Brooke McKenna and Naomi Spence who are Co-Executive Directors at the Hunger Coalition in Blaine County, Idaho (Sun Valley area). They have been working together for over a decade. They explain how a nonprofit organization can thrive with a distributive leadership model.
Their organization seeks to build a healthy community through providing access to good food and addressing the root causes of food insecurity, in collaboration with key partners. The Hunger Coalition is not your traditional food pantry, as they seek to provide a welcoming space where people can enjoy a healthy meal, make deep connections, and share about their lives.
Naomi Spence, Executive Director of The Hunger Coalition
Brooke and Naomi explain what food insecurity is and how it is different in their region compared to a traditional urban area. They discuss why it is so difficult for unaffected people to understand the issue of hunger. They are regularly trying to communicate the real stories of people dealing with food insecurity in order to mitigate this misunderstanding.
When it comes to their Co-Executive Directors model, Naomi explains the unique ways they involve their participants in the decision making processes. Brooke explains that distributive leadership is wonderful for cross training, creating a feeling of ownership for all, and building great career paths. Naomi offers advice to other nonprofit leaders that want to adopt this type of leadership model and advises why one needs to be committed to unlearning some of what we have learned about leading nonprofits. Brooke explains the role of an effective leader and the way a leader should give feedback to those they lead. Naomi describes the benefits to the weekly staff meetings they hold and why every staff member needs to be present. Both Brooke and Naomi explain how a well rounded leader can create a well rounded organization.
“Stories from the front lines”: Real stories from nonprofit leaders just like you
Oct 14, 2022
Across the United States, nonprofit organizations are all struggling to serve their communities due to the current economic climate. Many people are having issues to afford housing and food and nonprofits need to adapt to the economic changes so they can serve their growing number of clients. Today’s guests are Brianne Snow and Sharel Lund, both Executive Directors of nonprofit organizations in their respective towns. They explain the current challenges their organizations are enduring along with their advice to other nonprofits across the country.
Brianne Snow, Executive Director of Family & Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC)
Rob’s guests both run nonprofits that serve in resort mountain towns. Brianne Snow is the Executive Director of Family & Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) in Summit County, Colorado. FIRC is a social services nonprofit that works to strengthen local families through education and financial resources. They offer assistance with housing, food and education.
Sharel Lund, Executive Director of One22
Sharel Lund is the Executive Director of One22 Resource Center in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. One22 is a nonprofit that was created from a merger of other organizations. They offer assistance with housing, food, language support, and financial assistance.
Brianne and Sharel share why they were attracted to the nonprofit sector and what it is like to be an Executive Director of a nonprofit organization. They both agree that it is very difficult to get funding in a mountain town, since a lot of funding goes to urban cities. Brianne and Sharel both recognize that while local governments and businesses they work with are active in giving back to the community, they believe nonprofits have certain advantages over the government and for-profit sectors. They also describe the trends they are seeing in the nonprofit sector, mainly when it comes to turnover for staffing. Brianne shares how the move to remote work has negatively impacted her community in that many city dwellers are now moving to Summit County and thus raising the cost of living for other residents. Sharel wants donors to know the benefits to donating, one of which is the opportunity to make deeper connections in the community. Brianne and Sharel share advice and encouragement for those who are considering joining the nonprofit sector. They also explain their advice for the challenges that face the nonprofit sector, in the next few years.
Links to Resources:
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
How Harvard Business School is shaping today’s change makers Part 2
Oct 07, 2022
Today’s episode is Part 2 of a fascinating conversation with Dr. Jan Rivkin of the Harvard Business School. In Part 1, Doctor Rivkin dives deep into how the Young American Leaders Program (YALP) is solving important problems by bringing together local leaders from all over the United States. In today’s episode, he explains how one can develop the skills that are necessary to be a successful leader.
Dr. Jan Rivkin is the Senior Associate Dean and Chair of the MBA program at Harvard. He is also a professor in the Strategy Unit at Harvard Business School. Dr. Rivkin is also credited with starting YALP.
Jan Rivkin, Senior Associate Dean and Chair of the MBA program at Harvard
Jan explains the top traits of effective cross-sector collaborators, and how successful collaborators respond to the setbacks they will encounter. He also explains that leaders need to make the most out of differences. Jan shares his concern for the lack of civility in our society and believes it is the underlying factor in our ability to solve other problems. Jan believes in order to develop leadership skills, one needs to experiment, learn, and reflect. Jan shares why the YALP leaders he gets to work with really do give him hope and helps him avoid feeling discouraged in a world full of problems.
What are giving circles and why do they matter?
Oct 01, 2022
Right now in the United States, 95% of the sector is being overlooked and underinvested when it comes to nonprofit donations, according to Philanthropy Together. Thankfully, the collective giving movement is growing and making a positive change in underinvested communities. Today’s guest explains how more diverse communities can get funded when there are more diverse philanthropists involved.
Sara Lomelin, philanthropist, TED speaker, and the CEO of Philanthropy Together
Rob’s guest today is Sara Lomelin who is a philanthropist, TED speaker, and the CEO of Philanthropy Together. Philanthropy Together is a global initiative, co-created by hundreds of giving circle and network leaders, to scale and strengthen the collective giving movement through the power of giving circles. Their mission is to democratize and diversify philanthropy through the power of giving circles.
Sara explains that a giving circle is a group of people with shared values that come together to make change. They pool their time and money, and decide as a circle where it should go. Sara describes the five key aspects of a giving circle and the five valuable things that each individual member inherently brings to the circle they join. Sara shares some very inspiring examples of the impact collective giving is having across our nation. She also explains what is motivating this increase of diversity and inclusion in philanthropy. Sara also shares how one can join or create their own giving circle, with the help of Philanthropy Together and the many resources they offer online.
To join a giving circle in your community, check out Philanthropy Together’s Global Giving Circle Directory. Or to start one, join Philanthropy Together’s Launchpad program to learn how!
Mentioned:
https://philanthropytogether.org/
Links to Resources:
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
How Harvard Business School is shaping today’s change makers Part 1
Sep 26, 2022
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 the efforts of dedicated individuals at the local level. Rob’s guest shares how a program at Harvard Business School is dedicated to solving big issues by bringing together local leaders from all over the United States.
Rob’s guest today is Dr. Jan Rivkin who is the Senior Associate Dean and Chair of the MBA program at Harvard. He is also a professor in the Strategy Unit at Harvard Business School. Dr. Rivkin is also credited with starting YALP, the Young American Leaders Program.
Dr. Jan Rivkin, Senior Associate Dean and Chair of the MBA program at Harvard
Jan explains his role at Harvard Business School and why he was led into academia. Jan shares that while involved in the US Competitiveness Project which started in 2011, he and his colleagues at Harvard realized the US economy was lacking shared prosperity. Jan explains that they realized sustainable change would not come from the federal level alone because of the gridlock that often occurred at this level. This prompted the Harvard Business School to create a program that would aim to solve these issues. Jan describes how the Young American Leaders Program chooses the participants each year and what the program provides to these leaders from across the United States. Jan shares some examples of the positive influence the program has made in US cities and the benefits of addressing issues at the local level. Rob gets the opportunity to share about his experience of participating in the program and adds what he found most impactful when he was a part of YALP.
Links to Resources:
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
How is cryptocurrency shaping the future of philanthropy? (Part two)
Sep 19, 2022
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 and just the uncertainty around it. There’s a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to cryptocurrency’s use for nonprofits and philanthropy. This is part two of our series on cryptocurrency and part one featured Robbie Heeger from Endaoment.
Rob’s guest today is another expert in cryptocurrency, Pat Duffy. He’s the co-founder of The Giving Block, a for-profit company that seeks to help provide all a nonprofit needs to fundraise Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in order to support their missions.
Pat Duffy. Co-founder of The Giving Block
Pat gives a quick overview of cryptocurrency and why nonprofits should be more engaged and educated about it, and how blockchain technology has solved many financial issues since its inception in 2009. He breaks down crypto’s three versions of safety and why cryptocurrency is becoming a safer investment strategy. He discusses Giving Block’s mission and the many benefits they provide to nonprofit organizations, along with their secret sauce of never-ending energy to establish themselves in the crypto sector. He shares what it takes for nonprofits to begin accepting crypto from donors and scale up to crypto fundraising programs. He addresses skepticism nonprofit leaders may have around cryptocurrency and how Giving Block can save organizations not just money, but time and energy spent on trying to create something from scratch. Finally, Pat explains how his previous experience at a nonprofit inspired him to offer innovative solutions to nonprofits, why crypto is a great way to boost engagement and fundraise effectively for organizations, and his predictions for what role cryptocurrency will play for philanthropy.
How is cryptocurrency shaping the future of philanthropy? (Part one)
Sep 12, 2022
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 to cryptocurrency, in general, and certainly when it comes to how it might impact your nonprofit fundraising efforts.
Rob’s guest today is Robbie Heeger, the CEO of Endaoment, a new public charity that offers donor-advised funds (DAFs) built atop the Ethereum blockchain. Their mission is to manage and encourage the charitable giving of cryptocurrencies.
Robbie Heeger, the CEO of Endaoment
Robbie demystifies cryptocurrency and explains how Endaoment uses donor-advised funds to convert cryptocurrency donations into US dollar grants for charities and philanthropic causes. He also discusses DeFi, or decentralized financing, and Endaoment’s use of blockchain networks to recreate behaviors of established financial institutions with more transparency, interoperability and emphasis on community foundation. He addresses how they try to mitigate skepticism by using the world’s most trusted stable coin. He goes on to explain the difference between Bitcoin, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and various forms of cryptocurrency. Robbie shares tips for organizations to participate in the crypto ecosystem and sheds light on how nonprofits have the opportunity to shift into a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). He also explains how nonprofits can take advantage of Endaoment’s “end to end” donor-advised fund experience to begin receiving cryptocurrency gifts and donations. Finally, Robbie predicts what nonprofits can expect over the next few years as the cryptocurrency industry blooms.
This episode previously aired. #ICYMI #FromTheArchives
“From Aristotle to Zuckerberg”, Learn How and When Philanthropy First Started and Where We Have Gone Wrong Today
Sep 05, 2022
Ever wondered how philanthropy and charity first began? The answer may surprise you! The Greek roots for the word “philanthropy” refer to the “love of humankind”.
Rob’s guest today is author Paul Vallely who has written a new book that serves as an encyclopedic review of the origins and history of philanthropy and charity over the centuries. Paul argues that today, too many people and organizations have lost the true purpose of charity and he offers a way back to the roots of good philanthropy.
Paul Vallely, author of “Philanthropy: from Aristotle to Zuckerberg”
Paul shares what led him to research the history of philanthropy, what surprised him most about how money moves through philanthropic organizations and who really benefits from donations. He also talks about how organizations can help recapture the missing element in philanthropy, particularly as it relates to the relationship between the rich and the poor. In short, Paul argues for having a more human and holistic vision of philanthropy that marries the head and the heart. Finally, Paul digs into why more nonprofit leaders need to focus on building partnerships by listening to and respecting the people they are trying to help and how the pandemic has actually strengthened philanthropy as a third pillar in society alongside government and the market.
The baton of leadership has been passed at the YMCA
Aug 29, 2022
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, with all of its nationwide affiliates, is actually one of the largest nonprofits, not only in the US, but in the world.
Rob’s guest today is the retiring President and CEO of the YMCA of the USA, Kevin Washington. After 43 years of service, Kevin will be handing off the baton to Suzanne McCormick, who will be taking the YMCA to the next chapter in their storied history. YMCA of the USA is a federated organization that manages 800 federate associates as part of their national network. There are 2,700 physical YMCA branch locations across all 50 states, with programs in over 10,000 communities serving 22 million members and counting.
Kevin Washington, past President and CEO of the YMCA of the USA
Kevin recalls his own experience of how the Y found him and his journey from being a member to becoming the organization’s President. He explains how COVID forced the YMCA to quickly pivot and why collaboration with the newly formed federal coalition to support nonprofits was vital to continue providing services for communities. Kevin describes the barriers they’ve had to overcome during the pandemic and why working together is always key, regardless of political beliefs. He also highlights the importance of trust and transparency, and how long term relationships with donors helped secure unrestricted funds when it mattered most. On the same note, Kevin discusses why he believes nonprofit leadership requires significant levels of humbleness, empathy, innovation and boldness and the willingness to risk going against the status quo if it means moving your organization forward. Finally, Kevin shares the greatest opportunities and challenges the next CEO of the YMCA will face, and how the “Summer of George Floyd” and believing in our youth has bolstered his hope for the future.
How one organization is transforming philanthropy into a force for racial equity and justice
Aug 22, 2022
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 dedicated to this same important work. The work is particularly relevant this month, because August is Black Philanthropy Month.
Rob’s guest today is Dr. Chera Reid, the Co-Executive Director of the Center for Evaluation Innovation or CEI and she will share how we can help transform philanthropy into a force that actually advances racial equity and justice. CEI is a women-led nonprofit organization that partners with philanthropy on strategy, learning and evaluation efforts that are intended to advance racial equity and justice.
Dr. Chera Reid, Co-Executive Director of the Center for Evaluation Innovation
Chera shares that she was led into this work 20 years ago and was inspired by the work of Dr. Lydia English, who she later worked with at a nonprofit in Massachusetts. She explains that racial justice is a strategy that needs to be the priority for all foundations, acknowledging uncomfortable truths in order to progress. She believes the nonprofit sector is a reflection of the challenges and opportunities in our society and shares about how two Supreme Court cases have been great milestones for the diversity movement.
She also discusses a recent successful live event that CEI co-hosted with Trust-Based Philanthropy, a peer-to-peer funder initiative to address the inherent power imbalances between foundations and nonprofits. Chera explains how partnerships like these can really make a difference in closing the gap between ideas and taking action. She concludes by offering two great pieces of advice to other nonprofit leaders. First, she encourages leaders to be themselves by owning one’s experiences. Second, she talks about the importance of leaders taking some things off of their calendar. Finally, Chera shares her belief that this critical work is essentially “remaking the world”.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
What Is the Key Predictor of Your Success as a Leader
Aug 15, 2022
Ian Morgan Cron, speaker, author, and pioneer in the contemporary Enneagram movement
Personality tests have existed for centuries, yet many leaders are still surprised by how insightful and beneficial understanding your personality type can be to the work you want to accomplish.
Rob’s guest today is Ian Morgan Cron, speaker, author, and pioneer in the contemporary Enneagram movement. His book “The Road Back to You” is perfect for those interested in learning more about the typology of the nine interconnected, personality types of the Enneagram tool.
Ian has worked with a variety of companies and leaders both in and out of the nonprofit space, and consistently sees the need for building soft skills like empathy and compassion. He explains why meaningful work matters and how a strong leader understands not only their own strengths, but also where they require support and balance. Most importantly, Ian shares why self-awareness is the ultimate key to successful leadership, no matter your personality type!
How to make sense of the current fundraising landscape
Aug 08, 2022
Shelley Hoss, President & CEO of OCCF
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 COO at OCCF. Based in Newport, California, OCCF is in the top 2% in grant-making among U.S. community foundations. The DNA of their service model is a double helix, with one strand being service to donors and their own philanthropic goals and the other strand being service to the needs of their local community.
Fundraising is the most important aspect of growing your nonprofit, yet it can also be the most challenging. Throw in a pandemic, new technology that seems to always be changing, plus a new currency in the form of cryptocurrency, and fundraising for nonprofits in your organization may feel like an overwhelming obstacle right now. Rob’s guests will both shed some light on the current status of fundraising as well as share some of the key things they’re seeing and experiencing at one of the largest Community Foundations in the country, which is the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF).
Tammy Tumbling, Executive Vice President & COO of OCCF
Shelley and Tammy explain what kinds of organizations they fund, which grants rise to the top, and why clarity, alignment, and organizational strength are key to selecting who receives funding. They discuss the fluid process of how they help donors decide which organizations to support, insight about their Legacy Program, and how they decide where to use their own resources based on where they can meet the most needs. They address COVID’s impact on philanthropy, the new tools of engagement that have emerged for nonprofits since the pandemic, and why they try to never make assumptions about what needs people face in their community. They also suggest ways organizations can future-proof their fundraising by providing the right technology, information and access. They explain common pitfalls to avoid when using technology and the two ways OCCF is leveraging technology to reach their internal and external stakeholders. Further, Tammy shares her experience of launching the African American Alliance Fund and how it’s focused on supporting education, health, human services, economic business development, and civic engagement. Finally, Shelley addresses the current fundraising landscape, how nonprofits can reframe challenges as opportunities, and why organizations should consider looking outside the nonprofit world for their next fundraiser.
Why Is This Generation Responding to Racial Equality and Diversity Differently Than Past Generations?
Aug 01, 2022
Racial equality and social justice are nothing new however they have become one of the most prominent conversations we are having now when it comes to nonprofit leadership and growth. *Note: This episode is from the archives* #ICYMI
Rob’s guest today is Kishshana Palmer, CEO of Kishshana + Co., and founder of The Rooted Collaborative. She is a national speaker, trainer, and coach with a 17 year background in fundraising, marketing, and talent management. Kishshana’s first management experience was at 22 years old, right after grad school, when she was challenged to lead a team of 12 and had a million dollar budget.
Kishshana Palmer, CEO of Kishshana + Co., and founder of The Rooted Collaborative
Kishshana explains why all nonprofits are avenues for social justice, and why more groups must dig deeper into their diversity and inclusion practices if they really want change and growth to occur. She believes organizations should focus on investing in the talent, time, and treasure of its team members, and details how employee satisfaction surveys can really paint a picture of where work is needed within an organization in order to continue fostering a healthy culture. Kishshana wants more leaders to recognize it’s time to change the way things are done because times are indeed changing, and our young people are living proof this movement for change.
How this organization is helping Gen Z find the jobs they are seeking
Jul 25, 2022
Recruiters across the country have been feeling the pressure of the “great reshuffle” since COVID. They are relying on their existing networks to find talent quickly. Unfortunately, many recent college graduates have been left behind in this process without a recruiter or the right network, which too often means those from underrepresented communities, especially as Generation Z enters the workforce as the most diverse population in American history. That is why it is even more critical that they receive the appropriate assistance and mentoring opportunities in order to find their next job.
Kalani Leifer — Founder & CEO of COOP Careers
Rob’s guest today is Kalani Leifer — Founder & CEO of COOP Careers. COOP Careers is a nonprofit organization that offers a program focused on digital skills and peer connections to help low-income and first-generation college graduates overcome the barriers they face while finding gainful employment.
Kalani assesses the current job market, focusing on Gen Z, and sheds light on nepotism in hiring and the phenomenon of young employees recommending their friends, neighbors, and schoolmates. He examines the barriers and challenges that Gen Z graduates, particularly those from underrepresented communities, experience when seeking employment. He discusses the changes students are experiencing in college, how that will affect them when they graduate and enter the job market, and the role Gen Z will play in the current job market and unemployment issues. Furthermore, he also shares the journey of COOP Careers, including why and how it began, the organization’s core objective, his plans for the organization, as well as the fundraising model of the organization. Finally, he discusses the differences in working styles that he has experienced between Millenials and Gen Z, what Gen Z looks for in an organization before joining, as well as some ideas for establishing a strong culture that attracts new talent.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Are large fundraising events making a comeback?
Jul 11, 2022
For years, one of the most effective ways a nonprofit could raise money was through large in-person fundraising events. However, fast forward to 2020, when COVID literally put the brakes on all large in-person events for a significant period of time. Then, even when restaurants and schools and other public places began reopening, for many people the idea of getting together with a big group of people inside a hotel conference center was just something they were not ready to do. If you’re a nonprofit development director in particular or an executive director who depends on these large in-person events, what are you to do? What are the trend lines? Are larger fundraising events back? Are they going to ever come back?
Rob’s guest today is Adam Christing, who has served as the emcee for hundreds of fundraising events all across the country, from galleries to dinners to charity concerts and luncheons. Adam believes that large in person events are back and back in a big way.
Adam Christing
Adam shares how more nonprofits are reconnecting with their donors and partners in person, the benefits and drawbacks of hybrid events, and why he urges people to go for live experiences. He touches on six key components of effective fundraising events using the acronym MASTER: M-emcee, A-attendee experience, S-speaker(s), T-transformational stories, E-empowering givers, R-repeat the event. He explains the power of helping attendees shift from transactional to transformational giving and why donors must have an experience that touches their heart. Adam also gives tips for selecting a speaker aligned with your organization’s mission, how to prep speakers to make the fundraising event as successful as possible, and why transformational stories should address both the pain and the prescription (or help) received from the organization.
He encourages nonprofits to let donors share how they feel when they give, because generous giving is contagious. He also discusses the current state of fundraising and why it’s necessary to distinguish between projects and partners. He will delve into the importance of cultivating long term relationships with donors and development reps, and why it’s time to put the fun back in fundraising. Finally, he emphasizes that effective fundraising events require time and planning, they are held at a great venue, and provide attendees an experience that not only allows them to impact other people’s lives, but have their own lives touched as well.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Nonprofit mergers are a trend that is increasing more and more, especially since COVID first started. Are mergers the wave of the future? Although that remains to be seen, many nonprofits are merging more now than ever, especially ones established in an area where there is more than one nonprofit doing very similar work. It’s becoming more apparent that lone nonprofits may benefit from joining forces in order to better serve their community.
Rob’s guest today is Paul Bancroft, the Executive Director of the Sierra Community House, a nonprofit organization that resulted from four nonprofits taking their collaborative relationship to the next level by merging together into one common mission. The four organizations that merged were two different family resource centers, a domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse organization, and a hunger relief organization.
Paul Bancroft, Executive Director of the Sierra Community House
Paul explains how and why the four nonprofits merged and their intention around creating a fifth organization to serve the community at a much higher and much deeper level. He addresses resource challenges and the need for a more robust administrative team, along with the benefit of being able to mobilize across a greater organization during COVID. He shares how they’ve fostered unity in their new organization by forming committees across all programs along with leadership teams focused on embracing a larger mission and talking through issues as they arise.
Paul discusses the surprising positive impacts of the merger in regards to donations and the importance of education to cultivate donors. He breaks down their biggest challenges of finding affordable housing for the local community, access to mental health services, especially for Spanish speakers, as well as access to services often hindered by inclement weather. He touches on drawbacks of the merger and why it’s always necessary to acknowledge the identity loss experienced in each organization. However, he emphasizes that the merger has allowed for better, more comprehensive services and increased their ability to serve more people. Finally, he encourages executive directors interested in a merger to leave egos at the door, focus on how to best serve their staff and community, and to approach conversations from an abundance mindset.
Paul Bancroft – pbancroft@sierracommunityhouse.org
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
What major foundations are looking for in organizations they fund
Jun 24, 2022
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 giving because there’s a relationship with someone in your organization that has prompted them to give, and the stronger that relationship is, the more that donor will give and the more comfortable they are with increasing their giving over time.
Rob’s guest today is Karen Marriott. Not only does she personally invest in several nonprofits locally, but she’s also a trustee with the Marriott Daughters Foundation. Karen was raised within a family who has an inspiring legacy of philanthropy, one that continues to shape how and where she gives today.
Karen Marriott, Marriot Daughters Foundation
Karen shares details about the Marriott Daughters Foundation and how her family’s history of philanthropy is based on their passions, interests, and supporting local communities. She explains how COVID shifted her priorities around giving and how maintaining relationships with donors is crucial for organizations, especially when immediate needs are difficult to meet. She addresses the benefits of unrestricted gifts and whether unrestricted gifts are a crisis response because of COVID or a trend that will continue to grow. Karen discusses how nonprofits can build relationships of trust by providing data that shows their impact, keeping communication with donors open throughout the year not just when money is needed, and by sharing their challenges along with their successes. Karen also shares the areas of need that other foundations are noticing and why it’s time to dig into local communities to truly understand what work is most necessary. Finally, she explains how her father is the leader who has shaped her the most and why she believes “Where much is given, much is expected in return”.
Five Minute Fridays with Rob Episode 3
Jun 17, 2022
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 the final installment on this topic, and it focuses on workplace inclusiveness.
Yes, maintaining a healthy work-life balance in your organization is linked to the issue of inclusion. Numerous authors and nonprofit executives have recently pointed this out when they have highlighted an unspoken narrative in many organizations which rarely includes inclusivity when it comes to this issue of establishing a work-life balance.
To put it another way, the issue of developing a work-life balance in one’s organization can often disproportionately affect black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC community). It could be due to economic inequalities, family demands, educational disparities, etc.
Whatever the exact challenges are for your staff, take proactive steps to address the issue of inclusion by employing an inclusive lens and listening to the perspectives of those who are underrepresented in your organization. The ultimate result will benefit not only those traditionally underrepresented in your company but will also benefit your entire organization.
How this nonprofit is fighting both climate change and poverty
Jun 09, 2022
Have you watched the film Poverty, Inc.? If you haven’t watched the film, it’s worth viewing, even if you disagree with it’s premise or conclusions. This film raises important questions about how anti-poverty initiatives can often have unintended consequences, which then can create greater dependency rather than truly empowering people, local communities, and local economies to improve their situation. Rob’s guest is part of an international organization that really strives to empower both the people they are serving and the local economy within which they’re serving.
Josh Martin, US Development Director for ADES
Rob’s guest today is Josh Martin. He is the US Development Director for ADES, an international nonprofit based in Switzerland that produces energy efficient stoves in Madagascar and encourages the reuse of renewable energy by saving large quantities of wood and charcoal. ADES is helping to protect the environment while tackling poverty at the same time.
Josh shares how ADES first started and its holistic approach to environmental education and restoration. He explains their focus on providing stoves and the training given to those who receive the stoves. He breaks down ADES’ impact over the past 20 years and how they have drastically reduced carbon emissions by using solar energy. Additionally, through their work, they have saved local families time, money, and energy. He addresses how ADES continues to help the people they serve by providing jobs to over 200 employees based in Madagascar, both in the surrounding rural and urban areas. Josh also shares why ADES has no plans to expand beyond Madagascar at this point. He sheds light on the impact COVID has had on ADES, along with how they’ve been able to successfully navigate through “destructive” stress that the last two years have brought. They have also been very successful with hiring local Malagasy people for middle management positions. He discusses why achieving “wins” as an organization is incredibly important to nonprofits. Finally, he shares the biggest challenges facing ADES and why maintaining partnerships is key to sustaining their work in Madagascar.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Do you know why you do what you do? This is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself and your team. Many people are familiar with Simon Sinek’s well-known TED talk entitled “Find Your Why” and it’s worth watching if you haven’t already. Along this same theme, another recommendation Rob has for nonprofit leaders is to check out a new book called 40 Laws of Nonprofit Impact, which is written by Rob’s guest today, Derik Timmerman. In his book, Derik spells out 40 key laws that will help you become more successful as a nonprofit leader.
Derik Timmerman, founder of Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions
Rob’s guest today is Derik Timmerman, founder of Sparrow Nonprofit Solutions, a nationwide consulting firm helping nonprofits maximize their world-changing impact. In addition to coaching nonprofit professionals at all levels and prior to founding Sparrow, Derik was a management consultant at McKinsey and Company and a US Army Intelligence Officer with two combat deployments to Iraq.
Derik shares his background and how his first volunteering experience after high school was the catalyst for his nonprofit journey. He explains why he believes Martin Luther King, Jr’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” should be required reading for every nonprofit leader. He emphasizes why situational clarity is crucial for the success of nonprofits and sheds light on the three parts of a winning mission statement: core action, core object, and differentiator. He also shares why it’s important for organizations to define their fundamental unit of impact. He goes on to point out how trust is the currency of nonprofit leadership and what it means for leaders to have both a vulnerable generosity and a generous vulnerability. Derik discusses how nonprofits can get better at building their team and culture by focusing on building witha community versus for them. On the same note, he explains how a ‘surprise and delight’ approach allows organizations to be culturally sensitive and affirming at the same time. He breaks down how following a ‘lean’ methodology lets nonprofits know how to measure their impact and understand the “eight wastes” to eliminate as an organization. Finally, he shares why he believes the biggest challenges facing the nonprofit sector is accountability and creating a larger, world-changing impact.
How can nonprofits best respond to the “Great Resignation”?
May 22, 2022
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 their people. They are also scrambling to adjust to the reality of having staff who are leaving for better paying jobs. There are some who are starting to believe that the nonprofit sector can’t compete with the for-profit sector when it comes to salary, wages and benefits, and think the nonprofit sector will simply need to resign to the fact that they will have to settle for mediocrity. However, Rob’s guest believes strongly that nonprofits should never have to settle for mediocrity.
Evan Feinberg, executive director of the Stand Together Foundation
Rob’s guest today is Evan Feinberg, the executive director of the Stand Together Foundation. Stand Together is a nonprofit that seeks to help create both strong and safe communities where all people can learn, contribute and realize their full potential.
Evan addresses how nonprofits don’t need to settle for mediocrity because nonprofits are one of the fastest growing sectors and are raising more money than ever. He explains why competitive wages and salaries are necessary to attract good talent along with the necessity of investing in good leadership. He discusses why nonprofits must build cultures of empowerment, not only in society, but within their organizations to help employees feel fulfilled and gain employees’ trust. He shares how the nonprofit sector needs a dynamic social economy of taking risks to foster innovation. Nonprofits also need to find better ways to solve problems by investing in talent rather than just seeking to lower admin costs. Evan explains the importance of viewing donors as investors and helping them believe in the transformative experience of the people your organization serves. He shares examples of organizations that have successfully continued to innovate and motivate their staff while keeping their core values intact. Finally, he discusses the major challenges the nonprofit sector is currently facing such as finding the right leaders, reducing loss by creating human-centered measures of customer value, and changing incentives to make fundraising easier.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How to grow your organization quickly while maintaining your core mission
May 13, 2022
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, while at the same time preserving the core of its mission. Likewise, it’s crucial to avoid completely changing the organization’s mission just to chase growth.
Rob’s guest today is Dr. Marc Harrison, the president and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare. He’s also a pediatric critical care physician with a proven track record as a top operations executive on a global scale. He is nationally and internationally known as a thought leader on transformation and innovation, and ranked in Fortune’s Top 50 World’s Greatest Leaders in 2019. Dr. Harrison currently leads Intermountain’s 59,000 employees they call caregivers, to reimagine operations and ways to keep people and communities healthier.
Dr. Marc Harrison, president and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare
Marc addresses trends he’s witnessed around the pandemic and how COVID has catalyzed businesses in the nonprofit sector both for good and for bad. He shares how Intermountain has preserved the core of its mission while simultaneously stimulating progress by being careful stewards of the resources they have been given. He breaks down how he’s navigated some of his most challenging leadership decisions by constantly reiterating his rationale and purpose, and keeping his actions consistent with his words. He also discusses two leaders who’ve shaped his leadership style. He further explains how organizations can create a healthy culture to attract the right kind of talent and new talent by creating an environment where people can independently make choices and share ideas. He shares how leadership happens at different levels throughout the organization and how choosing people who can manage a transformation revolves around listening to and utilizing front line workers.
Marc addresses how he’s building collaboration with the Utah Alliance for the Determinants of Health and how its revenue model focuses on keeping people well, not just taking care of them when they’re sick. Finally, he shares why leaders must understand what their core mission is and why they must make sure that their time, energy, words and passion are all well aligned to bring about positive social change.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Five Minute Fridays with Rob Episode 2
May 06, 2022
Nonprofit speaker and blogger Vu Le recently wrote an article that was all about our “toxic obsession with productivity,” and in that article, he shares a story that is both funny and biting. He says, “When I was an ED, younger professionals would come up to me asking what it was like to be an executive director. ‘It’s great!’ I would joke, ‘you get to work whenever you want, as long as it adds up to 70 hours each week!”
70 hours a week doesn’t exactly lend itself to a healthy work life balance. Remember, it’s important that CEOs, executive directors, and other nonprofit leaders set the pace and honor work life balance in your everyday schedule. On the same note, it’s critical that leaders find space in your organization’s culture where you can really live out the value you say you believe, and create creative outlets for your staff to be both valued and trusted.
Try this quick exercise to help facilitate better work life balance in your organization: Think of your life as a movie. My friend Troy Champ has used a similar concept in his teaching and when I first heard this, I thought this idea could apply well to this issue of finding a healthy work-life balance. Play out what the movie of your life would look like if you kept up your current pace. Does your life’s movie have a good ending? Do you implode along the way? Think through the cost of your current pace. How’s your family being impacted by your current pace? How is your health being impacted? Your future goals? Your kids? Your staff? Start today by playing the movie of your life based on your current trajectory, and then start making the changes you need to today. Don’t expect perfection overnight—just seek progress, not perfection. But take steps every day to move towards your goal of creating a better work life balance.
How to balance becoming high tech, while remaining high touch
May 04, 2022
One of the biggest challenges for nonprofit leaders today is how to balance being high tech while remaining “high touch”. In other words, how do we continue to innovate as nonprofits but not lose the heart and soul of that highly relational experience for those we serve? Many nonprofit leaders, with good intentions, have resisted implementing new technology, because they’re worried about losing that relational touch—that life-on-life impact. But if nonprofit organizations don’t implement the right kind of technology and the right amount of technology, they risk being left behind and will become less and less effective over time, especially when it comes to fundraising.
Rob’s guest today is Michael Gorriaran, the President of Arjuna Solutions, and he brings a wealth of leadership experience from Microsoft and Xerox into the nonprofit sector. Arjuna specializes in applying behavioral economic modeling techniques through patented AI capabilities, and the goal of this AI application is to improve fundraising at scale for nonprofits.
Michael Gorriaran, President of Arjuna Solutions
Michael breaks down Arjuna’s algorithm and how they determine a donor’s personal level of willingness to give. He explains the importance of donor retention, optimizing value and lifetime giving, and why he is a fan of direct mail based on the concept of net proceeds. He shares advice for how organizations can approach digital marketing vs. direct mail, and why it’s key to optimize the donor experience. He addresses why nonprofits must discern the intentionality of the technology they use, and how to efficiently manage and measure ROI. He discusses the trend of automation and why organizations must work to sustain the balance of high touch with high tech when it comes to personalization and scale. Finally, he explains why more organizations need technically-capable leaders that are social media fluent, understand portfolio management, and know how to allocate resources appropriately and equitably.
Links to Resources:
This episode is sponsored by Arjuna Solutions. Find out more here:
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 that it is possible or is it just a myth?
As executive directors, CEOs, and board members of nonprofits, culture starts with you. You set the pace. Does your everyday schedule reflect this? How will your organization make work-life balance a top priority?
Rob would love your feedback on what you’re doing in your organization to create this culture of prioritizing a healthy work-life balance. You can email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Links to Resources:
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How a rockstar’s vision has turned into a global movement
Apr 26, 2022
Across the world, many people are familiar with the name Bono, the lead singer of the internationally famous band U2, but not everyone knows that Bono started the ONE Campaign. The initial slogan of the ONE Campaign was to “make poverty history“. This continues to guide their efforts as they have grown significantly from when Bono first co-founded this organization. The ONE Campaign is a global organization that tackles the causes of extreme poverty and preventable disease with a focus on Africa. This organization also fights for gender equality, youth employment, quality education, and access to health services, and hopes
Rob’s guest today is the CEO of the ONE Campaign, Gayle Smith. Gayle’s career includes working on the ground with nonprofits across Africa, and leadership positions under the Clinton and Obama administrations as an international journalist, and in the US Agency for International Development and other organizations to end extreme poverty.
Gayle Smith, CEO of the ONE Campaign
Gayle sheds light on how the ONE Campaign is an advocacy organization working to mobilize citizens and governments to reach their goal of ending poverty and preventable diseases by 2030. She explains how ONE has managed to secure $37.5 billion in funding since the organization’s inception by utilizing an inside/out approach, leaning on volunteers to meet with congressional representatives and other decision makers who influence spending. She also shares how other nonprofits can take a similar approach by focusing on a clear, tight message that appeals to the media and by leveraging volunteers to meet with local leaders about one’s mission. She dives into the painstaking process of getting legislation passed and why having experts that understand your organization’s issues are key to connecting with lawmakers. Gayle shares her philosophy about networking and collaboration and the importance of scaling so more voices can share your mission. She explains how they used pop culture and social media during the pandemic to reach audiences they might not otherwise reach. She also addresses how they’ve been able to keep ONE’s overall purpose and mission the focus across the organization by sticking to their values. Finally, she discusses the biggest barriers still facing the ONE Campaign and how their mission is still doable.
Why your employees are your greatest competitive advantage
Apr 19, 2022
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 both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Leadership development is critical for any organization, but the process of actually developing leaders takes more intentionality and more time than most nonprofits are currently investing. How does your organization grow leaders? Do you have an intentional plan? Have you set aside resources to proactively invest in your current team?
Rob’s guest today is John Aden, the CEO of David C. Cook, and has held senior leadership roles at Walmart, Frito Lay, and Mac Tools. He recently came out of retirement to bring his years of corporate experience to this nonprofit organization.
John Aden, the CEO of David C. Cook
John shares what he’s enjoyed most about serving in leadership roles and why he believes emerging leaders must keep an open mind and understand there’s no replacement for doing hard work. He explains the differences he’s observed between the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, and why more nonprofits must invest in leadership development. He goes on to discuss why more nonprofits must focus on adopting a competitive advantage mindset while remembering the role of innovation. He also points out the need to leverage scale in order to create efficiencies so that an organization can reach more people with increased speed. John emphasizes the importance of connecting your core values to your purpose every day, and how core values impact an organization’s culture and overall performance. He explains how nonprofits can build strategic partnerships to increase growth as well as emphasizing how creating an innovation team, changing the conversation, and listening to the ideas of your team can positively shift outcomes. Finally, he shares personally about how two leaders in particular have shaped him the most. They shaped his own view of leadership by demonstrating why values, humility, and having a service mindset are key to leaders who seek to do “well” so that they can do “good”.
How can you grow and scale your nonprofit most effectively?
Apr 11, 2022
Growing a nonprofit takes more than just passion and creativity: it takes great leadership. The right leadership skills will help guide your organization effectively through the challenges you will face. In fact, effective leadership is the engine that runs healthy nonprofits. It moves a vision to reality. Without good leadership, everything falls apart.
Rob’s guest today is Pamela Davis, the founder, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance (NIA). Pamela started NIA from scratch with four people. Today, she has well over 100 employees and thousands of nonprofits insured through NIA. NIA’s purpose is to serve other organizations by providing a stable source of reasonably priced liability and property insurance tailored to the specialized needs of the nonprofit sector and to assist these organizations in developing and implementing successful loss control and risk management programs.
Pamela Davis
Pamela discusses issues common to nonprofits, such as mission drift, lack of diversity, and unpredictable funding practices. She also addresses the problem that arises with organizations who may begin with a clear mission but slowly become stagnant, lose money and stop growing. Pamela shares how she went about securing startup funding for her organization and the importance of creating a culture of innovation in all nonprofits. She also gives insights into how she went about initiating the process that led to the passing of bills pertaining to nonprofits. These bills were beneficial not only to her own organization but also to the nonprofits that she served. She recounts how she was able to work on the legislation while keeping the momentum going for her own organization at the same time. Throughout the interview, she will share about the challenges she faced in building her nonprofit from scratch, how she overcame them, and how other nonprofit leaders can overcome their leadership challenges that they will encounter as they grow.
How can you develop a board that is ready for the future?
Apr 04, 2022
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 Director. However, the reality is that the board is the group who has the most power. The board hires and fires the CEO and is tasked with stewarding the future of the organization in business.
Rob’s guest today is Helle Bank Jorgensen and she has a 30-year track record of returning environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks into innovative and profitable business opportunities. Helle has experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sector and is currently the founder and chief executive of Competent Boards, which offers online climate and ESG programs from a faculty of over 100 renowned board members, executives and experts. She’s also an advisor with Global Fortune 500 boards and board members, including Nike, Shell, and Unilever. She also serves on several high profile international panels including the World Economic Forum, and recently published a new book entitled Stewards of the Future: A Guide for Competent Boards.
Helle Bank Jorgensen
Helle addresses the Sustainability Board Report and the fact that although more board directors are becoming aware of environmental, social and governance issues, their competencies for how to manage such issues are lacking. She shares how boards can determine which ESG issues deserve their highest attention and the biggest risks and opportunities that should be discussed around the board table. She explains why it’s important for boards to have a long term mindset along with the four key traits that truly demonstrate a board’s preparedness for whatever the future brings. Helle discusses the difference between managing and engaging stakeholders and why communication is key to understand what stakeholders want for an organization. She shares advice for bringing the next generation of young leaders to help increase value and diversity of thought on one’s board, as well as how to recruit new board members from the BIPOC community. Finally, she addresses her new book and points out why it’s so critical for organizations to understand what their impact will be seven generations from now.
How to turn former gang members into nonprofit leaders
Mar 27, 2022
Leading and motivating staff is a difficult job for every leader, especially the CEO or Executive Director of an organization. Staff communication, staff conflict and staff competition are very real issues that all leaders have to navigate through as they seek to move the organization towards a common mission. Could you imagine having two staff members who are literally working side by side who are from rival gangs? What kind of potential conflict and competition would this create? This is exactly the scenario that Rob’s guest faces every day at his organization.
Rob’s guest today is Thomas Vozzo, the first ever CEO of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and reentry program in the world that helps former gang members redirect their lives and become contributing members of their community. Thomas also has a new book coming out called The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life. In it, he outlines how he went from generating billion dollar revenues and making million dollar profits to becoming a voluntary, unpaid CEO of a nonprofit built on compassion, empathy, and social justice.
Thomas Vozzo, CEO of Homeboy Industries
In this episode, Thomas provides an overview of Homeboy Industries’ beginnings and their mission of working to get young men out of gang life. He shares about the “secret sauce” of Homeboy Industries which is its unique community. He also shares what led him to leave a successful corporate career to become the organization’s CEO. Further, Thomas walks us through his leadership journey; how he built trust, cast his vision, and successfully moved the organization forward by doubling its size and impact. He explains how he has navigated the challenges of employing former clients while emphasizing the importance of understanding the long term commitment required to invest in people and help them find positions where they’ll thrive. He also discusses the challenge of being a mission-driven organization that needs to run like a for-profit business. As he gives his perspective, he shares what it’s like working with rival gang members who have been victims of racial, economic, and system-wide injustice. Thomas will also share three important lessons he learned while writing his book and the key principles of finding joy, balance, and your personal beliefs. Finally, he addresses the heavy burden of helping former gang members and prisoners heal from their pain.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Why two of the country’s largest nonprofits are working together Part 2
Mar 23, 2022
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 Big Sisters of America just announced a new collaborative partnership with the Girl Scouts of the USA to help young women create lasting and meaningful relationships.
Rob’s guests today are Artis Stevens, the first black CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Judith Batty, who has served as interim CEO of the Girl Scouts and was also the first black CEO of the Girl Scouts. Both organizations have a long history of over 100 years ago and recently partnered to expand their reach and learn and grow together.
This is Part 2 of Rob’s interview with them.
Artis Stevens, CEO of Big Brothers Big SistersJudith Batty, CEO of the Girl Scouts
Judith and Artis dive into the why behind their collaboration and the focus on shared values and commitment to young people. They discuss the logistics of implementing programs, building to scale, and creating sustainable outcomes.They break down three delivery models they’re currently piloting, the impact of this collaboration on each organization’s culture, and how they are trying to empower their staff, volunteers, and young people to find their voice and to be change agents in their communities. Finally, Artis and Judith review the origins of their respective organizations and why their work is just as relevant today as when they first started.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@robharter.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Why two of the country’s largest nonprofits are working together Part 1
Mar 17, 2022
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 Big Sisters of America just announced a new collaborative partnership with the Girl Scouts of the USA to help young women create lasting and meaningful relationships.
Rob’s guests today are Artis Stevens, the first black CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Judith Batty, who has served as interim CEO of the Girl Scouts and was also the first black CEO of the Girl Scouts. Both organizations have a long history of over 100 years ago and recently partnered to expand their reach and learn and grow together.
This is Part 1 of Rob’s interview with them.
Artis Stevens, CEO of Big Brothers Big SistersJudith Batty, CEO of the Girl Scouts
Judith and Artis dive into the why behind their collaboration and the focus on shared values and commitment to young people. They discuss the logistics of implementing programs, building to scale, and creating sustainable outcomes.They break down three delivery models they’re currently piloting, the impact of this collaboration on each organization’s culture, and how they are trying to empower their staff, volunteers, and young people to find their voice and to be change agents in their communities. Finally, Artis and Judith review the origins of their respective organizations and why their work is just as relevant today as when they first started.
How nonprofits can move from being an organization to a “brand”
Mar 09, 2022
Too often, nonprofits think they’re the cause that the community wants to support. But nonprofits are notthe 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 focused on helping nonprofit professionals build better brand awareness and increase their impact, while at the same time building donor’s support and community involvement.
Bill McKendry
Bill shares his experience of leaving the for-profit sector and how his new book has been 25 years in the making. He explains why nonprofits should focus on finding strength in their voice by investing in their marketing and messaging. He dives into how the biggest competition nonprofits face are the best marketers in the world. He also points out how many businesses are creating causes to support instead of partner with nonprofits. He discusses how nonprofits can provide a “triple win” by partnering with businesses that need the trust and good stewardship a nonprofit organization offers. He also shares the top three things that nonprofit leaders need to know in order to build their brand. Bill also explains why nonprofits must understand the three categories of brands: “candy, vitamin, and painkiller”. Finally he points out the evidence that “frequency wins”, when it comes to marketing. It is not necessarily about waiting to find the perfect marketing or the best video, or the most expensive advertising. It is all about frequency.
How effective leaders adapt to a ever-changing environment
Mar 03, 2022
Change is the one constant in our world, and most of us reluctantly acknowledged this truth perhaps never more than this past year. We all have been through so much change and we’re still going through more change. How can you as a leader adapt effectively to our ever-changing environment, especially as it relates to your organization’s culture and leadership challenges?
Rob’s guests today are Dave Jones and Phyllis Hockett, co-founders of Pathway Associates. They have many years of experience between them and are full time consultants who are dedicated to raising up effective leaders for today’s nonprofits.
Dave and Phyllis discuss current trends they’re witnessing in organizations and how the pandemic has permanently affected nonprofits either for the good or the bad. They address this era of transformative change and why it’s critical for organizations to have forward-thinking leadership ready to adapt as needed. They explain why it’s important to focus on relationships and the return on investment when it comes to events and leveraging technology for fundraising. They share advice for how to achieve a healthy balance of advocacy without becoming too political, being mindful of IRS limitations, and staying true to your mission. They give examples of how organizations can double their impact by working together in successful collaboration. Phyllis and Dave also talk about why leadership is critically important to creating a positive culture and how a board’s culture of philanthropy can affect an organization. They share what leadership methods they believe are necessary to bring about social change and the practices that have shaped them personally as leaders. Finally, they explain the value of having a beginner’s mind and why it’s okay to not have all the answers as long as you’re willing to keep learning.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How “Smart Tech” is changing the way we lead our nonprofit organizations
Feb 23, 2022
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 digital technologies are actually now making decisions for people instead of just being used by people. And that’s why they claim that this is not just a tech evolution, but a revolutionary shift in moving power away from people and towards tech.
Allison Fine, co-author of The Smart NonprofitBeth Kanter, co-author of The Smart Nonprofit
Allison and Beth address what smart tech is and what it is not, and why smart automation is so revolutionary. They discuss how nonprofits can use technology in an ethically responsible way and how to avoid using racist smart tech with embedded bias. They also share why the key message of their book is about being human centered and why nonprofits should use automation and technology to encourage innovative thinking in order to have a bigger impact. They explain how smart tech allows nonprofits to shift from being transactional to being relational and why strong leadership is really the key to implementation. They give tips for finding technology that aligns with your values and why it’s time to turn the page on frantic busyness. Finally, they share some of the most important steps organizations should take today in order to become a smart nonprofit.
How a disability advocate has changed how the President of the United States communicates on his website
Feb 17, 2022
20 years ago, at what she thought was the height of her career, Virginia Jacko was diagnosed with a condition that caused her to gradually become blind. She then went to the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired to learn how to thrive and live independently as a blind person. Today, Virginia thrives in her life there.
Rob’s guest today is Virginia Jacko, who became president and CEO of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. At the Miami Lighthouse, Virginia provides education, training, research and vision enhancement to people of all ages. In a digitally dependent world, she and her IT team, also all visually impaired, provide counsel to organizations to ensure that their websites are inclusive and ADA compliant. In fact, she has been such a positive advocate for the visually impaired, President Biden’s team revamped the whitehouse.gov site to make it more inclusive and ADA compliant. She has grown the Miami Lighthouse from having 500 clients to 25,000 clients annually.
Virginia Jacko, president and CEO of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Virginia explains why she’s so passionate about the work she does and how technology levels the playing field for the blind and visually impaired. She addresses why accessibility is so important even though it is a slow process of trying to get organizations to update their website to be ADA compliant. She also shares why organizations must have a clear vision statement to be successful and how she balances her role as a leader and someone who encourages her team. She gives insight to different ways she values every employee and why building relationships with government leaders is important. Virginia discusses why she follows the Platinum Rule of “Treating others how they need to be treated” in order to bring about social change. Finally, she describes the top 3 leadership traits she looks for in her staff and why she believes staying current on news and learning from each other helps her grow as a leader.
How to discover and encourage untapped generosity from your current donors
Feb 09, 2022
Did you know that on average, most nonprofit leaders and organizations are only tapping into 13% of their current donors’ potential? In other words, 87% of your current donors are not being fully connected with your mission, which could in turn generate an exponential increase in their support of your organization.
Rob’s guest today is Bob Westfall, Founder and Chairman of Westfall Gold, a donor fundraising agency with a program that moves donors from transactional giving to transformational giving, while turning supporters into ambassadors. Since its founding in 2002, this organization has organized 400 Major Donor weekend fundraising events and raised almost $1.4 billion dollars on behalf of nonprofits, hospitals, churches and universities across the nation. Westfall Gold provides a service that helps nonprofits maximize their existing donors in order to make a difference with large philanthropic contributions, as well as encouraging philanthropy to become more central to these donors’ lives.
Bob Westfall, Founder and Chairman of Westfall Gold
Bob shares why he’s invested his life into raising funds for so many organizations. He also will share along the way some surprising insights from his annual Generosity Report. He explains how organizations can tap into donors already in their database and the necessity of focusing on an organization’s transformational story. He breaks down what is most important when communicating with donors and how to unlock transformational giving. He describes what fundraising should look like, and why creating community, being intentional and cultivating relationships with donors is critical. Bob discusses how nonprofit leaders can build bridges of trust by making multiple deposits in the relationship “bank” before ever trying to make a withdrawal. He also explains the value of a nonprofit’s brand and how he approaches leadership with a focus on courage. Finally, he shares the two greatest challenges that are currently facing the nonprofit sector.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at parkcityrob1@gmail.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Meet the 2021 .Org Impact Award Winner for Fighting Hunger and Poverty
Feb 01, 2022
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 in this new normal? Do nonprofit leaders need to shift their leadership style, change fundraising, or retool programs and services?
Rob’s guest today is Gaston Warner, the CEO of Zoe Empowers, a nonprofit organization that envisions children who once lived in poverty becoming entrepreneurs, providers and leaders in their community who know their worth and abilities. Zoe Empowers is the winner of the 2021 .ORG Impact Awards for the category of fighting hunger and poverty.
Zoe Empowers (photo courtesy of Zoe Empowers)
Gaston explains how Zoe Empowers was initially started in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in 2004 and evolved to address the cycle of relief and dependency in Rwandan children by giving them tools to be self-empowered. He shares his greatest leadership challenge as a CEO and why leaders must be passionate, have an all-encompassing view of an organization’s needs and must be a leader among leaders, helping others develop their skills. He also discusses how he manages both doable and destructive stress within the organization by looking for opportunities to improve or create a path forward. Gaston breaks down why nonprofits of all sizes should focus on measurable impact and return on investment instead of low overheads and heartstrings, when it comes to sustainable fundraising. He explains how they have flipped upside down their org chart by starting with participants at the top, and how this structure helped address problems quickly during COVID. Finally, he talks about what leaders and resources have impacted his own leadership growth and how his board members often serve as excellent mentors.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How can you make a successful transition from the for-profit world to the nonprofit world?
Jan 25, 2022
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 leadership essentially the same, regardless of the sector?
Rob’s guest today is Jada Hoerr, who moved from a successful career at Caterpillar to now work at the Midwest Food Bank as their Chief Resource Officer. The Midwest Food Bank will distribute approximately $400 million worth of food to 2000 nonprofits, and operates ten warehouses in the US and has two operations internationally.
Jada recalls what originally attracted her to Caterpillar and how her desire for meaningful work with a global impact helped with the transition to the nonprofit sector. She discusses how the approach to leadership in each sector is similar, but also addresses the different cultural framework of leading with the motto “Humility equals success” at Midwest Food Bank. She shares what nonprofits should know about engaging with corporate sponsors and the importance of being in service together. She also explains why consistent communication, training, and bringing into life and demonstrating your organization’s core values are key to help foster growth. Jada talks about how Midwest Food Bank addresses the root causes of food insecurity, particularly during COVID, and how they provide support by distributing food at no cost to the nonprofits to help alleviate hunger in local communities. She goes on to share what sets the Midwest Food Bank apart, why they focus on a first class volunteer experience and how they’ve maintained their volunteer program’s success. Finally, she explains their organization’s biggest leadership challenges, which leaders have inspired her most, and how she stays informed on leadership and development practices.
How to develop raving fans for your nonprofit
Jan 18, 2022
Passion and dedication is the fuel that nonprofits run on. When you find an individual, whether that be a paid staff, person or volunteer who is passionately dedicated to your organization’s vision, they can become a raving fan. But how can you develop and cultivate raving fans for your nonprofit?
Rob’s guest today is Jeffrey Heller, a raving fan who has dedicated thousands of hours to raising awareness around the plight of refugees and asylum seekers in our country, and along the way has introduced thousands of people to Human Rights First, a nonprofit organization committed to serving as a champion for human rights of all individuals. The mission of the Human Rights First organization so captivated Jeffrey that he now dedicates his life to riding his bike around the country to raise funds and create greater awareness for this nonprofit championing human rights.
Jeffrey Heller, Human Rights First
Jeffrey shares how his career in commercial law eventually led to his decision to become an ambassador for human rights, despite multiple near-death experiences. He explains why he chose to support a nonprofit instead of a government organization and the appeal of Human Rights First’s synergy and ability to bring people together, and how he respects their willingness to stick up for people no matter what. He discusses the barriers he’s faced as he advocates for those who need services and what he wants people to understand about the need to take care of all humans. He describes his upcoming 11th annual ride for human rights and why New York City is an example of what America should be—full of different communities and cultures that respect and help each other.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Are you ready for the largest wealth transfer in our history?
Jan 10, 2022
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 trillion in wealth will pass from the Baby Boomers to the next generation, specifically Gen-xers and Millennials. This is a critical moment for nonprofits to connect meaningfully with their potential donors. So how can you best connect with donors in a truly meaningful way?
Rob’s guest on this episode is Lisa Greer, a philanthropist and entrepreneur, a convener and an author as of 2021. She’s the commissioner of the California State Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and the chair of the Giving Back Fund, and also has a new book called Philanthropy Revolution: How Inspired Donors Build Relationships and Make a Difference.
Lisa Greer, philanthropist and entrepreneur
Lisa addresses the potential transfer of massive wealth and what that means for nonprofits. She also shares why more nonprofits need to understand and accept donor-advised funds. One of the things she emphasizes is the need for fundraisers to treat donors as human beings and improve relationships and communication with potential donors. She discusses why nonprofit leaders must protect their organization’s brand, business and staff, and common mistakes to avoid manipulating donors when messaging about funding needs. She also explains the drawbacks of competition in the nonprofit sector as well as the huge opportunity in working with millennials both as potential donors and board members. Lisa shares why she believes nonprofits need to overhaul how they fundraise and how to maintain relationships with donors by treating them with the same care they show the communities they serve. Finally, she gives simple ways organizations can make donors feel valued and appreciated as a person instead of a dollar sign.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How can you scale your organization’s programs?
Jan 05, 2022
How do you manage a global nonprofit organization during a pandemic in such a way that not only maintains your current programs, but actually grows and scales many of those same programs? Rob’s guest today shares how his organization, Smile Train, has done just that.
Rob’s guest is Dr. Richard Hopper, who is the Surgical Director of the Craniofacial Center at Seattle Children’s Hospital and was recently selected to serve on Smile Train’s Medical Advisory Board. Smile Train is a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering local medical professionals with training, funding and resources in order to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children. For over twenty years, Smile Train has supported safe and quality cleft care for more than 1.5 million children globally, and its clear mission and stellar organizational reputation has helped them to expand their services to 87 countries.
Dr Richard Hopper, Surgical Director of the Craniofacial Center at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Smile Train’s Medical Advisory Board Member
Dr. Hopper shares what he’s learned from working at Smile Train and the overall positive global impact he’s witnessed. He describes how Smile Train’s unique program model utilizes local medical professionals that helps both sustain and scale the organization. He shares how local leaders are selected and trained to support programs and why engagement and a shared mission and values are crucial to this nonprofit’s success. On the same note, he explains how Smile Train is able to integrate into the for-profit sector of hospitals and government entities by building a global reputation and a shared understanding of challenges, limitations, and priorities. He discusses why Smile Train will always remain a nonprofit and how they’ve overcome challenges when it comes to expanding services to more communities. Finally, Dr. Hopper shares the surprising positive impact of shifting Smile Train’s mission during COVID.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Did you know that everything you see at the White House, its furnishings, artwork and artifacts are maintained by a nonprofit?
Dec 29, 2021
Everything you see at the White House, the furnishings, artwork and artifacts are all maintained by a nonprofit. The White House Historical Association is responsible for all of these items, and in fact, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the White House Historical Association since its founding by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.
Rob’s guest today is Stewart McLaurin, who is the president of the White House Historical Association. He recently worked with the National Park Service to spearhead the creation and unveiling of historical markers in Lafayette Square, documenting the history of the involvement of slave labor in the construction of the White House. Stewart mentioned that he was inspired by then First Lady Michelle Obama’s famous quote at the 2016 Democratic Convention, when she said “I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves.” Since then, Stewart and his team of historians at the WHHA have uncovered the complicated past and paradoxical relationship between slavery and freedom in the nation’s history, and the nation’s capitol.
The White House (photo courtesy of White House Historical Association)
Stewart dives into the history of the White House Historical Association and why they receive no government funding and are a nonpartisan organization. He shares how their budget varies annually and how the curatorial staff maintains inventory by acquiring pieces at auctions. Additionally, he sheds light on how the George Floyd protests inspired his team to learn more about racial equality and racial justice which led to their recent project of giving voice to the voiceless by sharing the good, challenging, sad and difficult stories of the White House and its history. Stewart also explains why education and learning from younger generations is necessary to address issues of diversity and inclusion, and why understanding our country’s history is important for leaders of any nonprofit organization. He discusses his recent appointment to Concordia and its mission to connect more leaders from the private and public sectors. Finally, Stewart shares examples of leaders who have impacted him and why more nonprofit organizations need to collaborate and work together to address the growing needs of our country.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How is cryptocurrency shaping the future of philanthropy? (Part two)
Dec 24, 2021
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 and just the uncertainty around it. There’s a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to cryptocurrency’s use for nonprofits and philanthropy. This is part two of our series on cryptocurrency and part one featured Robbie Heeger from Endaoment.
Rob’s guest today is another expert in cryptocurrency, Pat Duffy. He’s the co-founder of The Giving Block, a for-profit company that seeks to help provide all a nonprofit needs to fundraise Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in order to support their missions.
Pat Duffy. Co-founder of The Giving Block
Pat gives a quick overview of cryptocurrency and why nonprofits should be more engaged and educated about it, and how blockchain technology has solved many financial issues since its inception in 2009. He breaks down crypto’s three versions of safety and why cryptocurrency is becoming a safer investment strategy. He discusses Giving Block’s mission and the many benefits they provide to nonprofit organizations, along with their secret sauce of never-ending energy to establish themselves in the crypto sector. He shares what it takes for nonprofits to begin accepting crypto from donors and scale up to crypto fundraising programs. He addresses skepticism nonprofit leaders may have around cryptocurrency and how Giving Block can save organizations not just money, but time and energy spent on trying to create something from scratch. Finally, Pat explains how his previous experience at a nonprofit inspired him to offer innovative solutions to nonprofits, why crypto is a great way to boost engagement and fundraise effectively for organizations, and his predictions for what role cryptocurrency will play for philanthropy.
How is cryptocurrency shaping the future of philanthropy? (Part one)
Dec 14, 2021
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 to cryptocurrency, in general, and certainly when it comes to how it might impact your nonprofit fundraising efforts.
Rob’s guest today is Robbie Heeger, the CEO of Endaoment, a new public charity that offers donor-advised funds (DAFs) built atop the Ethereum blockchain. Their mission is to manage and encourage the charitable giving of cryptocurrencies.
Robbie Heeger, the CEO of Endaoment
Robbie demystifies cryptocurrency and explains how Endaoment uses donor-advised funds to convert cryptocurrency donations into US dollar grants for charities and philanthropic causes. He also discusses DeFi, or decentralized financing, and Endaoment’s use of blockchain networks to recreate behaviors of established financial institutions with more transparency, interoperability and emphasis on community foundation. He addresses how they try to mitigate skepticism by using the world’s most trusted stable coin. He goes on to explain the difference between Bitcoin, NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and various forms of cryptocurrency. Robbie shares tips for organizations to participate in the crypto ecosystem and sheds light on how nonprofits have the opportunity to shift into a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). He also explains how nonprofits can take advantage of Endaoment’s “end to end” donor-advised fund experience to begin receiving cryptocurrency gifts and donations. Finally, Robbie predicts what nonprofits can expect over the next few years as the cryptocurrency industry blooms.
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 more than that. It takes a lot of work and a relentless commitment to fundraising. It also takes a willingness to tell your story as much as possible, and on as many platforms as possible. Rob’s guest had a vision while she was living in the Philippines after she witnessed Filipino nurses risking their lives on the frontlines. She wanted to offer nurses a global message of gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice during these difficult times of COVID, so she launched The One Heart Movement.
Krista Kleiner, founder and executive director of The One Heart Movement
Rob’s guest today is Krista Kleiner, the founder and executive director of The One Heart Movement, whose mission is rooted in a global effort to rally community love and support of our healthcare heroes who continue to fight on behalf of all of us. She started this organization from scratch and has grown a significant social media presence and fundraising support in a short amount of time.
Krista shares how and why she started The One Heart Movement and what it was like to launch her own nonprofit organization. She explains how they have managed to experience exponential growth over the past year even as a very young organization. Krista also talks about the challenges of fundraising and why research is key to keeping The One Heart Movement going. One story she shares is about how their social media presence exploded with a unique challenge to rebrand Valentine’s Day by focusing on community support. She explains why maintaining your social media presence should be viewed as a full-time job but it is worth the investment. Finally, Krista shares which leaders have influenced her, the biggest leadership challenges her organization is currently facing and how she plans to continue building up the organization’s outreach to donors and other strategic partners.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How a social enterprise is combining software with a human-centered approach
Dec 01, 2021
One goal of this show is to introduce you to leaders who are providing not just good products and services, but are providing those services in a unique way. Rob’s guests are based in the UK, and are considered in the UK as a community interest company, or CIC for short, which is the equivalent here in the US of a social enterprise business. They now have expanded into both Australia and the US, and they’re essentially a software company, but they have a desire to help people and nonprofits improve their service by providing a more compassionate way to help others.
Gary and Sarah Pettengell, leaders of ECINS
Rob’s guests today are Gary and Sarah Pettengell, leaders of ECINS, a company that provides software for case managers primarily, but are a social enterprise that seeks to provide smarter and more collaborative ways of working across the public and third sectors.
Gary and Sarah explain why collaboration is at the core of ECINS’ mission and why they believe people achieve more when they work together. They discuss their company’s experiences with cultural barriers and how they’re able to understand clients’ pain points and help find solutions to complex issues. They share how their background in law enforcement shaped the vision of who they want to serve through their business. They explain how their social enterprise is organized and the growth they’ve experienced, and how they have created a case management system that is hugely beneficial across three continents to help as many people as possible. Gary and Sarah talk about how ECINS has remained a self-sustaining organization, along with the leadership challenges they’ve encountered. They share how their own early struggles as a social enterprise influenced them to want to help nonprofits with similar problems and be able to respond quickly to an organization’s needs with no caveats or fine print. Finally, Gary and Sarah address what it’s like to work together as a married couple and why teamwork and passion about the work you’re doing can make all the difference!
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
What the science of fundraising is all about
Nov 19, 2021
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 why and how people give. In fact, there is a growing industry around the neuroscience of philanthropy and fundraising that helps us understand how people make decisions and what drives their behavior. Rob’s guest has many years of experience in the fundraising sector.
Rob’s guest today is Bill Crouch, the founder and CEO of BrightDot, which is a fundraising consultancy company that helps development professionals. One of the unique aspects of their approach is that they utilize the coaching and expertise of psychologists in their training of fundraising professionals.
Bill explains the “95/5” rule and how statistics around donations and donors have changed as the gap between upper and lower income increases. He sheds light on why many nonprofits struggle to build trust and relationships with high wealth donors and why emotional intelligence training is key in addressing this issue. He also talks about the six touch points and brain science every development professional needs to know to connect with wealthy donors. Bill breaks down why donation matching is critical for nonprofits and the importance of having a mobile-friendly website and strong social media presence. He shares why nonprofits with smaller budgets should reach out for donated time and expertise, and also why it’s time for more organizations to learn about and leverage cryptocurrency. Finally, he discusses the impact of COVID on fundraising and how it’s now possible to ask for a million dollars on Zoom!
How Noggin and Sparkler Learning have come together to provide a critical learning opportunity for kids across this country in response to COVID
Nov 15, 2021
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 or interacting from behind masks has been tough on developing brains and has resulted in a learning gap for this generation.
Luckily, a very creative initiative from several for-profits and nonprofits is working to address this issue. On today’s show, Michael Levine (Senior Vice President of Learning and Impact for Noggin) and Julia Levy (Executive Director of Sparkler Learning) are here to chat about this initiative. While Sparkler Learning is now an independent 501c3 nonprofit (and not owned by Noggin, nor Noggin’s primary nonprofit arm), together Noggin and Sparker Learning are bringing a critical learning opportunity for kids across this country.
They discuss:
*The initiative – Big Heart World – which Noggin and Sparkler are partnering on.
*How creativity and music really drive Big Heart World.
*Why they have sought to make this free, the research they did to identify the needs kids from low-income groups, and how they got the project funded.
*The power of music and why they decided to make Big Heart World music-based.
*How Julia built partnerships with other organizations that made Big Heart World possible.
*Factors like reach and impact that they looked for when finding partners.
*How people are responding so far and how they hope to grow the program’s audience.
*The biggest challenges people are facing right now that Big Heart World can help with.
*What kids and families have learned in the past year and a half.
How can you improve your digital presence?
Nov 05, 2021
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 are the most important social media platforms? Is it Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram? And then beyond social media, how important is it for nonprofits to have their own videos as part of their overall social media strategy? Rob’s guest has grown his digital presence from literally nothing to now reaching 30 million people with some posts.
Rob’s guest today is Tom McGowan, CEO of All Things Good Company, whose mission is to show the good side of humanity and is a one-of-a-kind service, set out to find good things and share them in the world.
Tom McGowan, CEO of All Good Things
Tom explains why All Good Things wants to elevate the nonprofit sector and how he worked to get eyes on his digital brand and help nonprofits do the same. He shares the nuts and bolts of building your social media base so you can tell your organization’s story. Tom also addresses ways to utilize video content even with little to no budget options. He breaks down how different platforms engage different demographics and why engaging your target audience is key. He discusses the value of social media advertising and other ways to promote your organization. Finally, Tom talks about how just a little bit of research got him a lot of celebrity coverage and how your nonprofit organization can too.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
What you need to know about Gen Z and how to recruit them for your nonprofit
Oct 27, 2021
This is the third installment of the Emerging Leader Series featuring young, emerging nonprofit leaders who really want to invest their lives into making real change in our world.
Rob’s guests today are Sayan and Sohil Bhatia, who’ve started their own nonprofit called Start STEM Early. Their goal is to advocate and provide STEM-focused programs, activities, and competitions to elementary and middle school students and teach them about unique STEM concepts.
Sayan and Sohil Bhatia, founders of Start STEM Early
Sayan and Sohil explain what motivated them to launch their organization and how they acquired funding and sponsorships so they can offer their programs free to students interested in STEM. They share why Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, is an inspiring leader and how his emphasis on free education has fueled the work they do. Sayan and Sohil give encouragement to emerging leaders by reminding them to take small steps toward what they’re passionate about instead of waiting for the perfect moment to go for what they want. They share what makes Gen Z so unique and why it’s important for nonprofit leaders to make a genuine effort to try different avenues when recruiting them. Finally, they describe what’s made Start STEM Early so successful, why they focus on interactive sessions and the vision they have for the organization over the next few years.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
What is the difference between lobbying and advocacy when it comes to your nonprofit organization?
Oct 18, 2021
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 the National Diaper Bank, is here to shed light on the importance of advocacy, specifically in the context of serving those poverty in the US.
In this episode, Joanne will discuss:
*Why the lower class in the United States bore the brunt of the pandemic and how the pandemic revealed the disparity between classes in this country.
*Why climbing out of poverty is so much harder than falling into it and examples of why it costs more to be poor.
*Examples of what the country got right when it comes to serving lower income communities during the pandemic and some causes for optimism.
*Joanne’s top issue contributing to poverty in the United States.
Joanne Goldblum of the National Diaper Bank
*Joanne’s current biggest leadership challenge at the National Diaper Bank.
*How many nonprofits struggled during the pandemic due to a lack of government funds and philanthropic donations.Advice for nonprofit leaders struggling to find a healthy balance for the right amount of advocacy to be involved in.The importance of advocating your causes to elected officials.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Why is telling your story so important to the mission and brand of your nonprofit?
Oct 13, 2021
Telling your story as a nonprofit leader is absolutely critical and perhaps one of the most important aspects of your job as an Executive Director. So how best can you tell your story and what are the best mediums through which you can have the biggest impact?
Rob’s guest today is John Priddy, he is the CEO and co-founder of the Windrider Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to telling captivating stories. John is an entrepreneur and Peabody Award winning film producer, and along with his brother Ed, is also an executive producer of multiple award winning feature documentaries.
John Priddy, CEO and Co-Founder of the Windrider Institute
John recalls how the Windrider Institute has been inspired by the Sundance Film Festival, and has served as a showcase for transformational and sometimes unseen stories of various nonprofit organizations. He shares about Windrider’s special partnership with Sundance and sheds light on Sundance Labs, along with the heavy lifting they do to support films that impact change. He also points out how independent films are similar to nonprofits in how they are supported and organized. Windrider’s successful revenue generating model is highlighted as John explains more about his goals for growing and expanding Windrider over the next few years. Finally, he emphasizes the power of not only sharing a compelling story with the public—but a reminder to share your story amongst your staff and board members which will keep your organization engaged and motivated.
How have nonprofits changed both now and long term because of COVID?
Oct 04, 2021
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 saw from their own organizations and what they learned as they interacted with leaders around the country. Rob’s guest today is both a consultant and a podcast host, and as such he’s in a unique position to provide interesting reflections and insights as to what the state of nonprofits are today.
Rob’s guest today is Dr. Patton McDowell, who founded PMA Consulting. Through his work, he has seen firsthand some of the nonprofits that are really struggling to survive COVID and its impact on organizations. Sadly, he believes that possibly as high as 25% of current nonprofits will not make it. However, thankfully, overall he’s witnessed more positive signs for the nonprofit sector and believes that COVID has also created new and creative options for them thrive.
Dr. Patton McDowell, founder of PMA Consulting
Dr. McDowell describes the resiliency he’s witnessed within the nonprofit sector and how leaders must now face the challenge of turnover and the residual stress of the pandemic. He also explains why some nonprofits may not survive because of the lack of funding without significantly investing in more collaboration and partnerships. On a more positive note, he shares how COVID has reignited board engagement for many organizations and breaks down both the positive and negative long term effects COVID has had on nonprofit organizations such as proximity, hybrid work schedules and talent pools. Finally, Dr. McDowell shares the leadership challenges his own organization must address, why he’s excited about the increased demand for their coaching and talks a bit about his own podcast.
Dr. McDowell has a new book coming out at the end of the year. Stay tuned for that.
This emerging leader is helping ensure our next generation has a shot at some of the best paying jobs of the future
Sep 26, 2021
This is the second episode of the Emerging Young Leaders Series about young emerging nonprofit leaders who really want to invest their lives into making real change in our world. Rob’s guest shares how they’re making their world better by helping more kids access computers, get coding training and prepare them for the future.
Rob’s guest today is Robbie Khazan. He is 17 years old and started Kiddo Byte, a student-run nonprofit organization based in the Boston area. They offer free computer science classes to children who would not otherwise have access to such classes. Now their mission is to give all children an opportunity to experience the magic of coding, regardless of their ability to pay.
Robbie Khazan, founder of Kiddo Byte
Robbie discusses why he specifically wanted to create an organization focused on coding and how Kiddo Byte provides free services through funding from various donors and sponsorship grants. He talks about Kiddo Byte’s recent expansion into other cities and breaks down their marketing approach, class structure and his hopes for Kiddo Byte’s future. Robbie also explains why Kiddo Byte’s mission centers on providing free and equitable access to kids across the country, and how he’s passed his passion and vision to other members to keep Kiddo Byte thriving even after he heads to college. Finally, Robbie shares why he chose to launch underneath the umbrella of another nonprofit organization and why he recommends this structure for those who are thinking about starting their own nonprofit.
How do you make a healthy and effective transition with your CEO/Executive Director?
Sep 20, 2021
Leadership is hard, period. What can make it even more difficult is when those in leadership positions leave and a new staff person has to follow someone who has been in that role for a long time. If that person was the founder of an organization, it’s an even bigger challenge. In fact, there’s a term for this, it’s called “founder’s syndrome”, which has doomed many nonprofits and for-profit businesses. So how does one make a healthy and effective transition in the CEO, Executive Director role? How does that new Executive Leader go about moving forward with innovation and new ideas, while at the same time preserving the core values that have sustained the organization for years?
Atlanta Community Food Bank Staff (staff photo)
Rob’s guest today is Kyle Waide, the current president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) is one of the largest hunger relief organizations in the country and has about 170 staff, with a cash budget around $40 million a year. It’s part of the Feeding America network of 200 member food banks that serve every county in the United States and provides food and other essential grocery items to a network of about 600 community partners across 29 counties in metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Through that network of partners, ACFB will provide the equivalent of about 100 million meals worth of food to roughly 750,000 people this year.
Kyle discusses his leadership style and how his predecessor really shaped the values of the company as well as inspired him to not only maintain continuity, but help his team take on new opportunities with more focus and collaboration. He shares why ACFB’s hiring process centers on finding people that embrace the company’s core values, culture and mission. Also, he explains what food insecurity means and how his team gets to the root of the issues causing food insecurity so they can truly be a resource for the community and the people they serve. He goes on to describe the leaders who have impacted him the most and how he’s navigated the challenge of preserving the legacy of leadership that he inherited over the past 6 years. Finally, Kyle sheds light on how ACFB plans to sustain their current level of activity so they can continue distributing food to those in need and keep their organization financially stable and energized.
Can you help fund a nonprofit and also get a “return on your investment”?
Sep 09, 2021
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, there is one organization, a nonprofit no less, whose sole mission is to both fund social changemakers while simultaneously providing a return on their donors’ investment through an innovative funding model.
Jasper van Brakel, CEO of RSF Social Finance
Rob’s guest today is Jasper van Brakel, the CEO of RSF Social Finance. RSF has supported more than 2000 social entrepreneurs since 1984 and provides loans for profit and nonprofit and social enterprises in the United States and Canada, and also works as a donor-advised fund sponsor with individuals on their individual giving strategies.
Jasper sheds light on the differences between for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and why for-profit organizations must be purpose driven. He explains RSF’s involvement in the alternative ownership movement and why they support new ways for for-profit entities to provide shareholders some economic benefit. On the same note, he shares how RSF helps nonprofits with growth capital and why he believes more businesses will focus on aligning with customer values by establishing a foundation or social enterprise. Jasper also breaks down RSF’s quarterly community pricing gatherings and how they work to resolve tension surrounding financial returns. He discusses mission drift and why tough conversations around cash flow and financial health are necessary and the importance of alignment commitment for organizations to keep moving forward. Finally, Jasper highlights how RSF chooses projects to invest in and their relationship-driven and collaborative approach to decision making to ensure RSF stays true to its mission of helping to create an economy rooted in equity, healing, and interconnectedness.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How can you preserve what’s best in your organization while still striving to innovate?
Sep 02, 2021
Good to Great by Jim Collins is a fantastic leadership book that discusses how great companies each have a common trait of finding a way to continue growing and innovating, year after year. And according to Collins’ research, one of the key ways these companies achieve greatness is by preserving the core while stimulating progress. How can you do the same so that you might have a great organization? Rob’s guest today has successfully implemented this into her leadership experience at the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Rob’s guest today is the Ronald McDonald House Charities President and CEO, Kelly Dolan. The Ronald McDonald House Charities programs help alleviate some financial burdens for families with sick children and provide nearly $772 million in hotel and meals expenses.
Kelly Dolan, President and CEO Ronald McDonald House Charities
Kelly shares her transition from Chief Marketing and Development Officer to CEO, and the long term benefits of succession planning and promoting from within your organization. She breaks down the importance of coaching and mentoring the talent you have, regardless of the size of your organization, and outlines the 3 core programs of the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the full continuum of care they strive to provide families and communities in need. Kelly discusses why communication, strong relationships and trust are vital for any nonprofit or organization to build a solid foundation that actually allows them to innovate, pivot and continue services in times of crisis like the current pandemic. In addition, she recalls how she navigated her most challenging leadership decisions and why she believes a calm presence and empathy are crucial when it comes to leading in this new normal. Finally, Kelly describes why staying current on politics, pop culture and reading biographies are her top choice to broaden her awareness as a leader.
The baton of leadership has been passed at the YMCA
Aug 20, 2021
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 of its nationwide affiliates, is actually one of the largest nonprofits, not only in the US, but in the world.
Rob’s guest today is the current but retiring President and CEO of the YMCA of the USA, Kevin Washington. After 43 years of service, Kevin is handing off the baton to the next leader to take the YMCA to the future. YMCA of the USA is a federated organization that manages 800 federate associates as part of their national network. There are 2,700 physical YMCA branch locations across all 50 states, with programs in over 10,000 communities serving 22 million members and counting.
Kevin Washington, past President and CEO of the YMCA of the USA
Kevin recalls his own experience of how the Y found him and his journey from being a member to becoming the organization’s President. He explains how COVID forced the YMCA to quickly pivot and why collaboration with the newly formed federal coalition to support nonprofits was vital to continue providing services for communities. Kevin describes the barriers they’ve had to overcome during the pandemic and why working together is always key, regardless of political beliefs. He also highlights the importance of trust and transparency, and how long term relationships with donors helped secure unrestricted funds when it mattered most. On the same note, Kevin discusses why he believes nonprofit leadership requires significant levels of humbleness, empathy, innovation and boldness and the willingness to risk going against the status quo if it means moving your organization forward. Finally, Kevin shares the greatest opportunities and challenges the next CEO of the YMCA will face, and how the “Summer of George Floyd” and believing in our youth has bolstered his hope for the future.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How one nonprofit is ensuring that diversity and inclusion are informing the way we create and establish play spaces around our country
Aug 16, 2021
Diversity, equity and inclusion are on the hearts and minds of every nonprofit leader today. After the events of last year, we started having conversations about these topics like never before. Rob’s guest took the helm of an organization that for the last 25 years, has made equity and inclusion the very focus of their mission efforts.
Lysa Ratliff, CEO of Kaboom
Rob’s guest today is Lysa Ratliff, the new CEO of Kaboom. Kaboom brings kids and communities together to design, imagine and dream about what their play space should look like. Kaboom then brings them together along with volunteers and community members to make their vision a reality in order to achieve play space equity.
Lysa describes how her own childhood experience influenced her current passion for play space equity and how solid partnerships and focusing on kids has led to Kaboom’s steady growth over the last several years. She explains why kids are always worth investing in and the importance of unifying resources to tackle problems that can’t be solved alone. She describes Kaboom’s core values and why data around these values is critical to decision making, understanding where the need is greatest, and helps hold themselves accountable for the outcomes of their work. Lysa discusses how the pandemic forced Kaboom to view their work in new ways, shift from project level work to system level change, and tap into resources to build partnerships. She talks about how and why they adjusted policies to be more aligned with their core values and ensure they have an approach that really centers on community and equity. Finally, she details how to build collaborative relationships and the most important leadership skills she’s learned along the way.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How can you turn a dysfunctional board into a healthy one?
Aug 09, 2021
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 any nonprofit board, it’s crucial to have a solid and clear relationship between the CEO or Executive Director of a nonprofit, and its board, especially the Board Chair. Rob’s guest addresses how to turn a dysfunctional board into a healthy one.
Rob’s guest today is James Mueller, who’s had extensive experience in the nonprofit sector and is the President of a consulting firm that works with nonprofit boards. James is also the author of a new book entitled Onboarding Champions: The Seven Recruiting Principles of Highly Effective Nonprofit Boards.
James Mueller
James shares what an effective and equitable board looks like and the first step to building one rooted in core values. He believes using criteria like how is one’s decision making, creative thinking, character and openness to a diverse culture as being critical for board selection rather than relying solely on business acumen. James explains why more nonprofits must draw a clear line between governance and management while providing education in board governance, strategic recruitment and robust onboarding. He recommends focused sessions that address a range of issues from diversity, equity and inclusion to fundraising, in order to prevent boards from becoming dysfunctional. Finally, James shares what conversations are really important to have for a healthy board, the core responsibilities of board leadership and why board members must shift their thinking from “you” to “we”.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
What are three key marketing principles that can really help grow your nonprofit?
Aug 04, 2021
Eric Linssen, Demand Generation at Community Boost
Marketing is an area nonprofit leaders tend to underestimate when it comes to the impact effective marketing can have. What is the best model for growing your nonprofit through your marketing, which platforms are best suited for attracting and retaining new donors, and why is the Google Ad Grant such a great way for nonprofits to inexpensively expand their marketing? Rob’s guest is here to answer all of these questions by providing key learnings around nonprofit marketing as well as details about a Marketing Summit specifically designed for nonprofit organizations.
Rob’s guest today is Eric Linssen, who has the role of Demand Generation at Community Boost. Community Boost is a marketing company that works directly with around 200 nonprofits in almost every digital domain and helps them scale online revenue impact by managing Facebook and Instagram ads, providing education and support for Google Ad Grants, and also helps create content, SEO, website design, and building recurring giving programs.
Eric breaks down details around Community Boost’s Nonprofit Marketing Summit and how it’s an excellent resource that provides tactical insights to nonprofit marketing you can implement immediately. He explains how COVID forced the event to move online but ultimately led to exponential growth, increasing their reach from 2500 nonprofits to over 10,000 organizations in just a few months. Eric also discusses why it’s important for nonprofits to measure how they’re enrolling, engaging and empowering stakeholders, and why Facebook and Instagram are the best social media platforms to build your online presence and attract more donors. Finally, he explains what Google Ad Grants are and why it’s worth it to research and prioritize this opportunity for your organization to earn up to $120K in free advertising!
How one nonprofit helped to lead the effort for developing the vaccine in Brazil
Aug 02, 2021
Just like the US, Brazil was hit really hard with COVID, and the Lemann Foundation was instrumental in forming a coalition of leaders to figure out how they could develop and distribute, what became the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine that now has been deployed throughout the country. This foundation has been particularly successful at building coalitions of leaders from a wide range of sectors, including the government, for-profit and nonprofit sectors in order to address some of Brazil’s biggest challenges. They were also deeply involved in Brazil’s COVID response.
Lemann Foundation
Rob’s guest today is the first nonprofit leader from the country of Brazil to be on the show. Denis Mizne is the CEO of the Lemann Foundation, which is one of Brazil’s leading nonprofit foundations that led the way in transforming educational opportunities in Brazil. The Lemann Foundation’s mission is to make Brazil a more just and equitable place by guaranteeing access to high quality public education for Brazilians of all backgrounds, while supporting the development of leaders committed to the social transformation of Brazil.
Denis explains how the coalition was built and what led to its success, along with the role of nonprofits when it comes to solving complex problems and why facilitating dialogue is crucial, especially in a polarized political environment. He shares advice for other NGOs and nonprofits to leverage existing resources to tackle big issues by creating a plan, engaging stakeholders and monitoring where support is needed to help shift policies. Finally, Denis sheds light on the emotional and long term impacts of COVID, particularly for Brazil’s school-aged children, why it was vital to establish a national learning standard and the importance of improving school connectivity for the future of Brazil.
Elizabeth Beisel, Three-Time Olympian Swimmer, Shares Her Story.
Jul 28, 2021
Every little swimmers’ goal is to stand on that podium at the Olympics, but it all starts with that first jump in the water and someone to show you how.
Elizabeth Beisel, three-time olympian swimmer and 2016 USA swim team captain
Rob’s guest is Elizabeth Beisel, a three-time olympian swimmer and the 2016 USA swim team captain. During her career, she won two Olympic medals and multiple world championships. Jumping into the pool for the first time at the age of five, it only took Elizabeth ten years to become an olympian. Over her grueling career, she learned that once you step on the blocks, it’s all about your mentality when you want to take it to that next level. Since retiring, she has turned her attention towards the nonprofit sector while continuing to keep her focus on swimming. Elizabeth was recently selected to serve on the USA Swimming Foundation board of directors.
The USA Swimming Foundation provides grants to local clubs, and has donated $3 million in the past several years. Their hope is that they can remove the financial barrier that might stand between low-income families and learning how to swim. To do this, they must fundraise, which mostly consists of donors who are in or around the sport. Elizabeth knows that maintaining their donor and volunteer base is vital to maintaining a successful and stable nonprofit.
Hear about some of the latest trends in the nonprofit sector; some may surprise you.
Jul 24, 2021
You may have noticed a slow return to normal occurring, and with that return comes the opportunity to reflect back on this past year to see what we’ve learned from it. As you reflect, consider this question: What was one weakness in your organization that the COVID pandemic exposed? Or, on the flip side of that question—what was one strength that really stood out about your organization during the pandemic?
Mark Hrywna, Senior Editor for The NonProfit Times
Rob’s guest today is Mark Hrywna, the Senior Editor for The NonProfit Times, who is constantly researching and writing about all things nonprofit. The NonProfit Times was established in 1987 in response to anything related to the business of running nonprofits, from human resources to fundraising.
Mark understands the challenges so many nonprofits have endured due to COVID, and shares the welcomed trends that developed over the past year such as an increase in online donations and successful online and hybrid events, and whether these trends will continue. However, he also addresses the uncertainty some nonprofits, especially smaller regional organizations, face when it comes to financial stability and survival. Mark breaks down what’s in store for nonprofits if and when COVID subsides, and how the new normal will impact donations, hybrid work environments, and employee relations. He draws attention to how COVID actually highlighted strengths of nonprofits most people aren’t aware of, and why nonprofit leaders must consistently communicate and be visible to remain authentic with employees and keep them engaged. Finally, Mark describes what gives him hope for the nonprofit sector and the surprising impact nonprofits have on the economy.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How is the rise in corporation’s increased focus on social good and philanthropic work impacting nonprofits?
Jul 15, 2021
Social enterprises are surging, more B Corps are being formed and many large corporations now have a social impact arm. All of this has had a lot of nonprofits wondering, “What is the long term impact on nonprofits going to be with all this new ‘competition’?” Rob’s guest has started a network of leaders from across sectors that includes for-profit, nonprofit and cultural organizations, all with a perspective that has come from years of working with some of today’s largest companies with the goal of how they together can better collaborate with today’s nonprofits.
Ian Schafer, CEO and co-founder of Kindred
Rob’s guest today is Ian Schafer, the CEO and co-founder of Kindred, which is a membership network that provides opportunities for peer to peer collaboration and access to research data. Kindred also provides experts who can help business leaders make better informed decisions about company policies and actions, and at the end of the day, work with nonprofits better. Members include more than 200 C-suite executives from Fortune 500 companies which include Facebook, Chobani, Nike and well known nonprofit organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
Ian explains why he believes more companies are facing accountability like never before and why more leaders need confidence and support to turn their intent to do good, into action. He shares why it’s okay to celebrate incremental small steps when implementing change and the difference between holding leadership responsible versus holding the company responsible. Finally, Ian describes Kindred’s vision for the future and how he hopes to amplify action, build a community of quality connections and scale to have a global impact.
How Can You Future-Proof Your Fundraising?
Jul 06, 2021
2020 skyrocketed the move to online giving for all donors who give to nonprofits. Organizations who already had a clear and robust process for donors to give online really benefited—those who didn’t, really struggled. They struggled to keep their giving on par with previous years. Now, the question for all nonprofits of how to “future-proof” fundraising is constantly on our collective minds. So how does your organization go about doing that? Rob’s guest shares some fascinating data points gleaned from a recent report on the “state of philanthropy” within the nonprofit sector and why an easy and efficient online giving experience for your donors is absolutely essential for your organization’s future success and sustainability.
Elizabeth Pun, Manager of Content at Classy
Rob’s guest today is Elizabeth Pun, Manager of Content at Classy. Classy is a B-Corp that focuses on closing the gap between nonprofit and for-profit businesses and Elizabeth is the primary editor of Classy’s recent report entitled: The State of Modern Philanthropy 2021.
Elizabeth explains how empowering your event attendees to fundraise can organically increase your donations and provide more engagement. She breaks down why recurring giving, subscription services, and donation matching are excellent strategies to drive more funds and donations to your organization. Finally, Elizabeth shares valuable insight about creating a more robust online giving experience, and a powerful reminder that if you want to maximize donations to help safeguard and scale your organization, you must be able and willing to meet donors where they are.
Ever Wondered Who Makes Sure Your Nonprofit’s Website Works as It Should?
Jun 26, 2021
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 address into Google, that they actually make it to your website and not to a site that explains all of the many languages Tolkien used in the original Lord of the Rings?
Public Interest Registry (PIR)
Rob’s guest today is Jon Nevett, President and CEO of the Public Interest Registry or PIR. In short, the PIR is a nonprofit organization created to manage the entire .ORG domain. Their goal is this: “To empower, through the Internet, those who are dedicated to improving our world.”
Jon breaks down what a registry operator does, why every top level domain has one and what it means to manage a domain. He also shares why PIR supports the nonprofit Internet Society and how nonprofits can benefit from .ORG Impact Awards. Similarly, Jon explains why PIR established an online Learning Center for .ORG nonprofits and how nonprofit leaders can benefit from this amazing resource. Finally, Jon encourages everyone to remember the value of the .ORG brand and that the more nonprofits in this space succeed, the better our world will be.
Is It Possible to Achieve a Healthy Balance Between Work and Home?
Jun 20, 2021
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, the hard edges between work and home have become even more difficult to define.
Megan Hyatt Miller, Author of Win at Work and Succeed at Life
Rob’s guest today is Megan Hyatt Miller, who has written a book about work-life balance. Her new book is entitled: Win at Work and Succeed at Life: 5 Principles to Free Yourself From the Cult of Overwork. Megan believes understanding the impact of work-life balance is a conversation that both nonprofit and for-profit leaders must continue to have.
Megan describes the innovative way her company introduced a 6-hour workday, the surprising results of this change while debunking the myth that overworking improves productivity. She explains why more leaders need to embrace work-life balance as a performance strategy, not just a philosophical discussion. She also defines what a “double-win” means and why getting clear on non-negotiables for self care, relational priorities, and professional results is mission critical. Finally, Megan talks about how COVID has allowed leaders to view their people more holistically.
Why One Nonprofit Is Building Beautiful Websites for Numerous Underfunded Nonprofits
Jun 13, 2021
There is no doubt today, especially after this last year, that the first place people find out about your organization is through your website. Unfortunately, many smaller nonprofits often don’t have the budget to create and maintain a quality website which then directly impacts their ability to both fundraise and get more volunteers to support their work. This is where 48in48 comes in.
Sima Parekh of 48in48
Rob’s guest today is Sima Parekh, who currently has a full time job in the for-profit world, while at the same time helps lead the nonprofit organization 48in48. Established in 2015, 48in48’s mission is to provide skilled professionals to help build quality websites for nonprofits that otherwise couldn’t afford one.
Sima shares how 48in48 supports over 1000 nonprofits across the world and helps address gaps in equity, equality, and social justice by bringing volunteers and communities together through education and awareness. She discusses details about the different initiative-based special events 48in48 hosts, and why the goal is always to get volunteers to take action and improve the digital footprint of nonprofits. On the same note, Sima explains the most effective way to recruit volunteers, her vision for the future of 48in48 and how you can get involved today!
“From Aristotle to Zuckerberg”, Learn How and When Philanthropy First Started and Where We Have Gone Wrong Today
Jun 06, 2021
Ever wondered how philanthropy and charity first began? The answer may surprise you! The Greek roots for the word “philanthropy” refer to the “love of humankind”.
Rob’s guest today is author Paul Vallely who has written a new book that serves as an encyclopedic review of the origins and history of philanthropy and charity over the centuries. Paul argues that today, too many people and organizations have lost the true purpose of charity and he offers a way back to the roots of good philanthropy.
Paul Vallely, author of “Philanthropy: from Aristotle to Zuckerberg”
Paul shares what led him to research the history of philanthropy, what surprised him most about how money moves through philanthropic organizations and who really benefits from donations. He also talks about how organizations can help recapture the missing element in philanthropy, particularly as it relates to the relationship between the rich and the poor. In short, Paul argues for having a more human and holistic vision of philanthropy that marries the head and the heart. Finally, Paul digs into why more nonprofit leaders need to focus on building partnerships by listening to and respecting the people they are trying to help and how the pandemic has actually strengthened philanthropy as a third pillar in society alongside government and the market.
How Can a Small Nonprofit Have an Impact on a National Level
May 29, 2021
Ursula Price, Executive Director of the New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice (NOWCRJ)
Although racial injustice and social equity issues have existed in our country for years, it seems as if 2020 was the year where we as an entire country started having these urgent conversations and discussions about racial injustice and inequality like never before.
Rob’s guest today is Ursula Price, Executive Director of the New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice (NOWCRJ) and she will explore how these issues of racial equity and social justice have impacted New Orleans and what her nonprofit is doing about it. Ursula is an accomplished criminal justice reform champion with deep roots in community organizing. Born and raised in rural Mississippi, Ursula has been organizing for criminal justice reform in New Orleans since 2001.
Ursula breaks down NOWCRJ’s multi-pronged approach and how they seek to be a voice for those who don’t think they have one. For smaller nonprofits that have much less than a million dollar budget, she shares the importance of preparation and strategies that help adjust to funding challenges, and the value of creating sustainable relationships that are true partnerships between nonprofits and donors. Ursula also discusses how to choose campaigns that are meaningful to your mission and how to build your credibility and expand your impact both at the local and national level.
Did You Know That Google Is Doing This?
May 08, 2021
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 Google.org’s crisis response has evolved since the pandemic all while staying laser-focused on creating a lasting impact in communities that need it most.
Rob’s guest today is Alex Diaz, Head of Crisis Response for Humanitarian Aid for Google.org. Alex manages Google.org’s response to global crises, and helps provide funding and volunteers to innovative nonprofits that are on the front lines. He also oversees the Google.org Crisis Connectivity Program, which works with nonprofit partners in disaster-affected areas to re-establish emergency connectivity for survivors and responders in critical locations.
Alex Diaz, Head of Crisis Response for Humanitarian Aid for Google.org
Alex explains Google’s mission to address humanity’s biggest challenges by sending both funds and teams of people to meet communities with empathy and resources to build the infrastructure needed for connectivity. He talks about why Google.org’s intended impact is steeped in equity and focused on trying to prevent crises from disproportionally impacting vulnerable populations. As more corporations get involved in social impact, Alex breaks down why collaborative effort with local nonprofits is critical, since the best answers come from those closest to the problem.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@robharter.com To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
What Is Generation Z Doing to Make a Difference in Today’s World?
Apr 24, 2021
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 launch a nonprofit focused on neurodiversity and a social enterprise centered on children with autism—all while being a high school student!
Isabella He, founder and president of the nonprofit SN Inclusion
Rob’s guest today is Isabella He, a junior at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, California. She’s an entrepreneur and the founder and president of the nonprofit SN Inclusion, and also helped establish AUsome LLC with her fellow high school students Anshul Gupta, Andrew Kim, and Arnavs Gurudatt. Isabella also volunteers with the nonprofit Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) and dedicates her time and energy to her passion for neurodiversity.
Isabella explains how she discovered the need for more inclusion and employment training for people with a neurodiversity such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. She discusses how collaboration with local businesses led to offering direct employment opportunities to SN Inclusion students and breaks down how AUesome is able to provide at home therapy kits for children with autism. Isabella shares why excellent market research and having a supportive team are key to starting a nonprofit and why it’s important for leaders to understand their team’s strengths and struggles, and how to reframe rejection to build confidence and stay motivated.
What’s Behind the “Red Nose Day” Campaign and Why Should You Be Interested?
Apr 11, 2021
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 Red Nose Day and how Comic Relief’s team adjusted its strategy while staying true to its mission of keeping children safe, healthy, and educated.
Alison Moore, CEO of Comic Relief US
Rob’s guest today is Alison Moore, CEO of Comic Relief US. Though the Red Nose Day campaign started in the UK, the US branch of Comic Relief has raised over $230 million and positively impacted over 25 million children over the past 6 years. Alison shares her leadership insights gained from working in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
Alison discusses how her experience in brand and marketing allowed her to transition to the nonprofit world where she is focused on social justice and the fundamentals of finding authentic partnerships. Alison details why nonprofits must be mindful of the deluge donors feel because of COVID and why it’s key for organizations to consistently and clearly communicate their goals, objectives, and story. She reminds leaders to have a North Star mentality and give your team, and yourself, the grace and space needed to keep moving forward with perseverance, perspective, and patience!
Why Did This Emerging Leader Within a Prominent Wine Family Put All of Her Efforts Into This Nonprofit?
Mar 28, 2021
Julia Jackson, founder of Grounded.org
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 family’s successful wine business to go all-in as a nonprofit leader with a mission to literally change the world.
Rob’s guest is Julia Jackson, who is fiercely committed to bringing together the brightest minds in order to foster greater collaboration, drive mass awareness and scale game-changing solutions to urgently address the climate crisis. Born into the family business Jackson Family Wines, Julia has always had a deep connection to nature. After her father’s cancer diagnosis, followed by the massive fire in 2017 that forced her to evacuate her home, she decided to transition her energy from the family business, to climate-centered work. In 2018, Julia founded Grounded.org, a philanthropic initiative that convenes scientists, policymakers, investors, executives, activists and front-line organizations to elevate solutions that create systemic change. In 2019, Julia was honored by Travel & Leisure as a recipient of the publication’s Global Vision Award.
Julia believes it’s time for more nonprofits to forge relationships and work together to have the global impact our planet needs to survive. She explains why the environment needs immediate attention and the aggressive approach necessary to make progress in fighting the climate crisis. Julia breaks down how philanthropic giving can help address the urgency of the climate crisis and why protecting biodiversity should be any organization’s top priority.
How Has COVID-19 Impacted Giving to Nonprofits?
Mar 20, 2021
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 digital presence and fundraising efforts.
Justin Wheeler, CEO and cofounder at Funraise
Rob’s guest is Justin Wheeler, CEO and cofounder at Funraise. As a social entrepreneur, Justin helped launch two nonprofits which became multi-million dollar organizations. He brings over 10 years of experience to the nonprofit world and was an early team member of Invisible Children, which raised over $50 million in its first 8 years of operations.
Justin understands fundraising is critical for nonprofits and shares valuable insights to how leveraging technology can save your organization time, money, and stress. He explains why it’s important to reevaluate your approach to fundraising and consider innovative solutions to truly understand your donor base and their capacity to give. Justin also reminds us we live in a digital savvy world and it’s time for nonprofits to adjust and create an online experience that truly shares your organization’s story in order to inspire others to support your mission.
Is It Time to Completely Rethink How We Lead and Manage Nonprofits?
Mar 07, 2021
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 nonprofits can navigate through these current turbulent challenges facing us all.
Matthew Zachary, “Cancer Rebel” and founder of the nonprofit Stupid Cancer
Rob’s guest is Matthew Zachary, “Cancer Rebel” and founder of the nonprofit Stupid Cancer, who also created the world’s first health podcast that gave voice to millions. As a brain cancer survivor, Matthew understands today’s healthcare conversations are too polite and works to build community while ending isolation for patients and caregivers through his network Offscrip Media.
Matthew doesn’t hold back as he breaks down why more people need to think twice before starting a charity or nonprofit, sharing why business acuity and preliminary research should guide someone wanting to start a nonprofit, more than mere emotional motivation. He explains why you must understand and stand by the value of your nonprofit and not devalue your team or your work. Matthew also believes the culture of nonprofits are heading towards a big change. Tune in to find out why.
Why Is This Generation Responding to Racial Equality and Diversity Differently Than Past Generations?
Feb 22, 2021
Racial equality and social justice are nothing new however they have become one of the most prominent conversations we are having now when it comes to nonprofit leadership and growth.
Rob’s guest today is Kishshana Palmer, CEO of Kishshana + Co., and founder of The Rooted Collaborative. She is a national speaker, trainer, and coach with a 17 year background in fundraising, marketing, and talent management. Kishshana’s first management experience was at 22 years old, right after grad school, when she was challenged to lead a team of 12 and had a million dollar budget.
Kishshana Palmer, CEO of Kishshana + Co., and founder of The Rooted Collaborative
Kishshana explains why all nonprofits are avenues for social justice, and why more groups must dig deeper into their diversity and inclusion practices if they really want change and growth to occur. She believes organizations should focus on investing in the talent, time, and treasure of its team members, and details how employee satisfaction surveys can really paint a picture of where work is needed within an organization in order to continue fostering a healthy culture. Kishshana wants more leaders to recognize it’s time to change the way things are done because times are indeed changing, and our young people are living proof this movement for change.
What Is the Key Predictor of Your Success as a Leader
Feb 12, 2021
Ian Morgan Cron, speaker, author, and pioneer in the contemporary Enneagram movement
Personality tests have existed for centuries, yet many leaders are still surprised by how insightful and beneficial understanding your personality type can be to the work you want to accomplish.
Rob’s guest today is Ian Morgan Cron, speaker, author, and pioneer in the contemporary Enneagram movement. His book “The Road Back to You” is perfect for those interested in learning more about the typology of the nine interconnected, personality types of the Enneagram tool.
Ian has worked with a variety of companies and leaders both in and out of the nonprofit space, and consistently sees the need for building soft skills like empathy and compassion. He explains why meaningful work matters and how a strong leader understands not only their own strengths, but also where they require support and balance. Most importantly, Ian shares why self-awareness is the ultimate key to successful leadership, no matter your personality type!
Is Your Leadership Culture Stifling or Encouraging Progress and Innovation?
Feb 01, 2021
John Lehr, President & CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation
When was the last time you evaluated your leadership culture? Every organization has a culture, a “DNA” that is unique to that organization. Typically, most experts say that the CEO or Executive Director of a nonprofit has a disproportionate impact on the culture of their organization.
Rob’s guest today is John Lehr, President and CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation. John has over twenty years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and management experience, specifically in the voluntary healthcare and medical research sectors. He has watched multiple organizations adapt their programs both before and after COVID by finding innovative ways to carry on.
John explains why leaders must focus on excellence over perfection and why unity should be a top priority. He understands leaders must find a delicate balance between skepticism, realism, and optimism, and recalls his favorite examples of successful leadership. John also shares the benefit of diversifying your revenue streams and fundraising campaigns, and the value of listening to your community to ensure you’re in alignment with what they truly need.
What Does Magic Have to Do With Nonprofit Leadership?
Jan 19, 2021
Imagination, storytelling and living with a sense of wonder may not be the first skills that come to mind when describing a nonprofit leader. However, a leader that leverages all three of these unique elements might just be what’s needed to turn a nonprofit’s dream into a reality.
Harris III, illusionist & storyteller
Rob’s guest today is Harris III, a professional illusionist and storyteller, who has performed for more than two million people on five continents. After becoming a millionaire at 21 and losing it all by the age of 22, Harris began his decade-long journey to understand the stories we tell ourselves and how they drive our behavior. Today, his live experiences, training, and consulting is sought out by numerous brands, nonprofits and influential leaders.
Harris explains what surprised him the most from his personal experiences and what led him to realize that wonder is both powerful and contagious. He talks about how the same deception used in magic tricks is actually the root of the deceptive stories we often tell ourselves that keep us from living with wonder and using our imagination in a hopeful way. Thankfully, Harris details the 3 biggest lies to avoid and how leaders can recapture wonder and lead with hope.
How Has COVID Impacted Global Nonprofits, Particularly Those Serving Refugees?
Jan 10, 2021
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 foundations can best support them.
Steve Gumaer, founder and president of the global NGO Partners Relief and Development
Rob’s guest today is Steve Gumaer, the founder and president of the global NGO Partners Relief and Development. For decades, Steve has served women, children, and families in impoverished, war-torn areas all over the world. Partners is working to address the ongoing global issues of food shortages, human trafficking, COVID19 and more by providing resources in areas of conflict, specifically where children are highly susceptible to poverty and hunger.
Steve shares the “why” behind Partners’ mission and how it all started with a promise to one little girl, which then grew into an organization dedicated to helping children trapped by circumstances out of their control. He explains how COVID19 created a challenging shift from providing face-to-face services to offering only online support meetings, and other ways Partners is adapting to provide sustainability for education and healthcare to those who need it most. Steve believes that being personable and grateful as a leader is more important now than ever.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How have the giving priorities of the Walton Family Foundation and other large Foundations changed because of COVID-19?
Dec 23, 2020
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 foundations can best support them.
Caryl Stern, Executive Director of the Walton Family Foundation
Rob’s guest today is Caryl Stern, Executive Director of the Walton Family Foundation. Previously, Caryl worked for 14 years at UNICEF seeking funding and recently transferred to “the other side of the desk” where she manages giving out funding. The Walton Family Foundation, which is dedicated to providing opportunities for people and communities especially through K-12 education and the environment, has been trying to support its grantees throughout COVID by truly listening to their needs.
Caryl discusses what she’s learned during the Pandemic, including that it’s important for organizations to remember to stay in their lane to do what they do best, and then help support others in doing what they do best. Nonprofits and the organizations that support them need to retool some of their fundraising and fund-giving strategies due to the Pandemic, especially because so much of fundraising is about relationships, which are trickier to maintain right now over Zoom. Humor, optimism, and going the extra mile to ask how folks are doing has proven key!
Hear From Internationally Known Fundraising Expert Kathy LeMay on the State of Philanthropy for Today’s Nonprofits (Part 2)
Dec 17, 2020
Kathy LeMay is back for part 2 of her interview about the state of philanthropy for today’s nonprofits.
Kathy LeMay
As a published author and sought-after speaker, Kathy has the expertise to address today’s fundraising problems for nonprofits. With more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit industry and connections with nonprofit leaders all over the world, Kathy has raised over $100M in her career.
She shares in this episode about how organizations that are relationship-driven, lack a sense of entitlement, and bring their full humanity to every conversation are setting the right example that other nonprofits should model themselves after. Kathy also talks about how for now, in-person events have been canceled and online events will have to suffice. As nonprofit leaders try to find their way through this most challenging time, Kathy provides some clear guidance and strong encouragement.
Hear From Internationally Known Fundraising Expert Kathy LeMay on the State of Philanthropy for Today’s Nonprofits (Part 1)
Dec 13, 2020
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 challenging. So how are we as nonprofits to respond to these challenges? What do we do now that most of our regular means of fundraising have been shut down by COVID? Is it time to completely retool our fundraising strategy?
Kathy LeMay
Rob’s guest today is Kathy LeMay, an internationally known fundraising expert for more than 25 years, and currently the author of “The Generosity Plan”. Today, Kathy is here for Part 1 of her interview about the state of philanthropy for today’s nonprofits. Though she can’t leave the country right now, she still remains in contact with nonprofit leaders all over the world.
Among other things discussed, one of the topics she covers is how initially there was a surge in giving to nonprofits after COVID hit, but that has changed. For example, around 26% of nonprofits surveyed across Utah do not think that they will make it through the end of the year, and that sentiment stretches all over the country. Right now, many nonprofit leaders all over the world are innovating and collaborating as to how to respond to the downturn in giving, while at the very same time having to serve more and more people who are needing their services. Kathy will explore how to manage this tension.
Is Servant Leadership the Best Form of Leadership for Today’s Nonprofits?
Nov 28, 2020
Servant leadership is a style of leadership that makes the primary goal of leadership to serve those around oneself. A servant leader is one who is focused on serving one’s colleagues and organization. The question in this episode is whether or not servant leadership is the best form of leadership for today’s nonprofits.
Dan Berger, author, economist, and the President and CEO of the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU)
Rob’s guest today is Dan Berger, an author, economist, and the President and CEO of the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU). You probably didn’t know this, but the NAFCU is actually a nonprofit organization. In fact, all credit unions are nonprofits and separate themselves from banks, in that the members of the credit union own the institution. Credit unions are cooperatives. Whether it’s for-profit or nonprofit organizations, Dan is a firm believer that servant leadership is the right way to go regardless of the sector.
As a servant leader himself, Dan works for his staff, making sure that they have everything they need to make their job as simple as possible. Over the years, he has learned that one of the best ways to do this is to ensure that he never under-communicates with his staff. Lately, COVID has been especially difficult for servant leaders like Dan who fuel great company culture through face-to-face interactions. At the end of the day, leaders like Dan know that the better you treat your colleague’s in the work environment, the better they will treat the customer.
What Are the Greatest Challenges Facing Nonprofits Today?
Nov 15, 2020
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 David O’Brien, the author of Building Smart Nonprofits: A Roadmap for Mission Success. In his book, David interviews over 60 leaders in the nonprofit industry, gathering input from leaders, funders, service providers, and more. David has seen first-hand that nonprofit leaders are facing financial challenges unlike any that they’ve faced before. He knows that it’s time for the entire sector to make a change with how it structures its funding model.
As the trends of charity-giving have steadily dropped over the last few years, the nonprofit sector has hit a point where it needs to be restructured, and David believes it has already started. Many of the problems that nonprofits face today require input from multiple perspectives in order to find the right solution. All that being said, as a result of his research, David is very confident that the nonprofit sector will find its way through these challenges to success.
The Impact of COVID-19 Internationally and What One Nonprofit is Doing About It
Nov 04, 2020
Dr. Mohamed Ashmawey, the CEO of Human Appeal
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 the world are feeling the effects.
Rob’s guest today is Dr. Mohamed Ashmawey, the CEO of Human Appeal, a humanitarian development charity that is working to provide aid to those who need it all over the world. With a background in corporations all over the world, Dr. Ashmawey can see from a plethora of different perspectives which helps him when working with a wide variety of different cultures. He knows that both the corporate and nonprofit sectors can learn from each other and that the need for effective and efficient leadership skills is more important than ever. If Dr. Ashmawey could teach leadership around the world one lesson, it would be that change is inevitable, so do not fear it. Instead, adapt to that change.
Launching in 1991, Human Appeal is an international humanitarian and development charity that started in Manchester, England. With 29 years’ of experience, working in 17 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East to alleviate poverty, they have become highly respected for working in some of the most dangerous and hostile places in the world; from Yemen, to Syria and Somalia. They also provide services in Macedonia, Sri Lanka and South East Asian, Myanmar, Iraq, Sudan, Bangladesh, Palestine, Kashmeer, Lebanon and Turkey.
How One Nonprofit is Effectively Transitioning In-Person Events to Online and Hybrid Events
Oct 15, 2020
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?
Doug Ulman, President and CEO of Pelotonia
Rob’s guest today is Doug Ulman, the President and CEO of Pelotonia, a 3-day cycling event that aims to raise funds for cancer research. Doug was diagnosed with cancer when he was in college, and like most, he was caught off-guard. That life shift led him to aim his efforts at making a difference for those affected by cancer because everyone is in one way or another. Just like other nonprofits and businesses around the world, COVID-19 has brought new challenges to Pelotonia that Doug is currently working to battle right now.
Founded back in 2008, Pelotonia has been able to raise over $207M in only it’s first 11 rides. This event gives communities a chance to mobilize, volunteer, and fight cancer together. Right now, Pelotonia is working on transferring its fundraiser to an online one while simultaneously planning for an in-person event next year. Now more than ever, leaders in the nonprofit sector must become innovative with how they plan their traditionally in-person fundraising events to continue to help those in need!
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
What is a B Corp and What Impact Are They Having on Nonprofits?
Oct 04, 2020
Ask yourself this question: do I consider a company’s stance on various issues before I decide to purchase its product or service?
Chris Marquis, the professor of Global Sustainable Enterprise at Cornell University
Rob’s guest today is Chris Marquis, the professor of Global Sustainable Enterprise at Cornell University and author of Better Business. In his book, Chris outlines how B Corporations are remaking capitalism before our very eyes. B Corps believe in a new triple bottom line: people, planet, and profits. Through a nonprofit called The B Lab, these corporations are verified all over the world in an attempt to shift the business landscape into one that is more socially responsible.
B Corps are defined as companies that balance profit and purpose through social and environmental performance. These verified corporations work to be managed as responsibly as possible to achieve a social mission through business. Right now, over 90% of millennials and 64% of consumers overall consider themselves to be belief-driven buyers. In a time when social consciousness is at an all-time high, it is more important than ever for industry leaders to use their positions of power to change the world for the better!
How To Dream Big and Relentlessly Pursue Your Vision
Sep 17, 2020
Brittany Hebert Franklin, Founder and CEO of Sky High for Kids
In the midst of a world pandemic, it is more necessary than ever for nonprofit leadership in the United States to be creative with how they go about their fundraising.
Rob’s guest today, Brittany Hebert Franklin, is the Founder and CEO of Sky High for Kids, an organization that works to save children from childhood cancer and other early-life threatening conditions. Brittany has been able to battle the fundraising challenges presented by COVID by staying innovative and creative with her tactics and strategies. She understands that to achieve her goal of beating childhood cancer in a world filled with chaos, Sky High for Kids must be bold in their decisions.
Childhood cancer is one of the top causes of death for children in the United States today. Roughly 16,000 children under the age of 19 are diagnosed with cancer every single year. Brittany started Sky High for Kids in college with the goal of eliminating childhood cancer, and she knows that she can never give up in that battle. There are many ways to get involved in this battle, so reach out to see how you can help in the fight against childhood cancer today.
How to Become an Advocate for the Most Vulnerable
Sep 07, 2020
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 episode has done just that. Rob’s guest is Shane Clairborne, an author, speaker, community activist, and founder of The Simple Way. For 25 years, Shane has been motivated by an unwavering commitment to those that need the most help.
Shane Clairborne, author, community activist, and founder of The Simple Way
It all started in 1995, when a large group of homeless people banded together while they were told by the archdiocese that they had 48 hours to leave the abandoned church in which they were living. This led Shane to start The Simple Way, an organization that works to build a community where everyone looks out for each other, especially those who may not be able to help themselves.
He has traveled all over the world as an advocate for those voices that are often forgotten, which has led him to jail standing up for the homeless and to places like Iraq and Afghanistan to stand against war.
How To Best Support Those Hit Hardest by COVID-19
Aug 25, 2020
Lisa Marsh Ryerson, CEO of the AARP Foundation, the foundation that supports the AARP.
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 today is Lisa Marsh Ryerson, CEO of the AARP Foundation, the foundation that supports the AARP. Lisa and AARP have been able to fund studies centered on the root causes and effects of social isolation on mental and physical health. They are working to harness new technology and services to help seniors connect to community resources while they are staying in their residence. This allows those affected to stay in the know of what is happening in their community.
Not only are seniors the most affected from a physical health standpoint, but they have been the most isolated. Even before the world was hit by a pandemic, isolation has been on the rise for the past decade. More than 25% of adults over the age of 65 who live in community settings were socially isolated.
Right now, everything seems to be in a constant state of fluidity. How are nonprofit leaders supposed to guide their organizations through these constantly changing conditions?
David Langiulli, certified professional coach, leadership trainer, and nonprofit board member
Rob’s guest today is David Langiulli, a certified professional coach, leadership trainer, and nonprofit board member. He specializes in mental fitness and has found unique ways to integrate that into his leadership training. David also leads Fundraising Leadership, an organization that helps grow nonprofit leaders. He believes that people, by nature, are always trying to fix and control everything in their life. The reality is, in the face of a global pandemic, there is so much in the world that is completely out of our control.
Even without a pandemic going on, being a leader creates a lot of stress. It is times like these that we need leaders with exceptionally strong mental fortitude. So much of leadership is about what goes on in a leader’s mind. David works to help leaders harness that stress for the greater good instead of allowing it to become destructive.
How do we overcome our growing divisiveness in today’s cultural context
Aug 01, 2020
There are so many challenges in our world today, whether they be economic, social, political, or otherwise. Additionally, there is a growing divisiveness in our own culture today. So what are we to do with our divisive environment?
My guest on the show believes it starts from within. My guest is Tim Shriver, who has been both CEO and Chairman of the Special Olympics for 25 years.
He works to promote health, education, and a more unified world through the joy of sports. Tim’s mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver started the Special Olympics in 1968, and he will talk about what prompted her to first start the Special Olympics. He currently leads the International Board of Directors for the Special Olympics and serves together with over 5.6 million Special Olympics athletes in 172 countries. He serves on several well-known boards, has written a NY Times best selling book and produced 4 films.
Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, Inc.
The Special Olympics has created so many moments that bring people face-to-face with those with disabilities. These moments are not always quantifiable or measurable, but they have certainly changed millions of people’s lives for the better all over the world. In order to overcome this divisiveness in today’s culture, leaders must push for people to keep their hearts open. The ability to lead by example through showing acceptance is a superpower of all great leaders. With our hearts open, we can learn to accept anyone, no matter what their disability. There are beautiful things in all of us that are capable of shining a light of acceptance, and through that light, lead others to open up their hearts too and eventually change the world.
Links to Resources: Find out more about the Special Olympics at specialolympics.org
This show is sponsored by CCPC, a humanitarian, community resource center, helping to meet people at their point of need.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at: nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
How to Emerge Out of Burnout to Sustainable Success
Jul 18, 2020
What happens when your company takes off but your rise to success is so rapid that it threatens to blow up your life?
Michael and Kathryn Redman
Rob’s guests today are Michael and Kathryn Redman. Michael and Kathryn have offered marketing and consulting services to small businesses and nonprofits for the past 18 years. In the process of growing their business, they grew so fast that success started to put too much pressure on their lives. Out of necessity, Michael and Kathryn found a more sustainable way to grow their company while still enjoying their lives!
Though they learned some hard lessons, Michael and Kathryn are now able to share those learning experiences with their clients so that they don’t have to hit the same road bumps!
Links to Resources:
Check out Michael and Kathryn’s book, Fulfilled, and learn how to balance your success!
What Does Effective Advocacy Look Like in Today’s Nonprofits, Especially Now?
Jul 05, 2020
Eduardo Sanchez, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention and Chief of The Center for Health Metrics and Evaluation for the American Heart Association.
Advocacy can be somewhat of a mine field in the nonprofit sector. There are many questions about how much an organization can do and what kinds of advocacy it should take part in.
Rob’s guest today is Eduardo Sanchez, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention and Chief of The Center for Health Metrics and Evaluation for the American Heart Association. He has also served as Vice President and CMO for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, where he was able to focus on worker and work site wellness, clinical prevention, and chronic disease management. Eduardo believes that advocacy starts with knowing the mission and reaching out to those that have the power to do what needs to get done. Advocacy is needed to make sure that nonprofits are not casualties of this crisis.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at: rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
How Has a Global Pandemic Changed the Fundraising Landscape for Nonprofits?
Jun 16, 2020
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 nonprofit organizations. Then, on the heels of this pandemic, in the US, we have had a huge uprising and unprecedented response to racial injustice in our society.
Kris Putnam-Walkerly, founder of Putnam Consulting
Rob’s guest today is Kris Putnam-Walkerly. Kris has served as an advisor to some of the top global philanthropists for over 20 years. Through her company, Putnam Consulting, Kris has been able to assist hundreds of wealthy families, Fortune 500 companies, celebrity activists, and foundations allocate over half a billion dollars in grants and gifts. Kris is also the author of a new book, Delusional Altruism, which focuses on achieving better outcomes through Transformational Giving. Between the global pandemic and the social injustices movement going on right now, Kris believes that every nonprofit must adjust their strategy in order to survive.
How One Nonprofit Is Helping Women Fight Back Against Sexual Assault
Jun 07, 2020
Shannon Henry. Shannon, President and Founder of SASS GO
On average, there are 20 victims of physical violence every minute by an intimate partner, which equates to over 10 million women and men in the US. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Furthermore, in just one day, physical violence hotlines receive over 20,000 calls. Those stats are mind-boggling and sadly with the recent forced quarantine, stay-at-home orders because of the COVID-19 pandemic, those numbers are actually going up. This is a tragedy that is taking place everyday.
Rob’s guest today is Shannon Henry. Shannon is the President and Founder of SASS GO, a nonprofit dedicated to providing trauma-informed programming designed to reduce risk, build confidence, and empower women and girls to defend themselves against physical and mental risks to their wellbeing. Unfortunately, Shannon’s life was changed forever when she was sexually assaulted by a high school boyfriend. She knows first-hand that sexual assault can make someone feel ashamed and isolated. However, Shannon has transformed that painful experience into an unshakeable resolve to help other girls and women who have also experienced sexual assault.
Though most states around the country are beginning to reopen, we are in a time as a country and as a world where we are still far from “normal”. Now, more than ever, we need solid leadership.
Rich Harwood, President and Founder of the Harwood Institute
One of the effects of this pandemic, has been the renewed awareness of the pre-existing disparities that have been present in our country for awhile now. Disparities in things such as drug treatment, healthcare, education and more, have become clearer than ever right now. While some nonprofits are having a difficult time adequately addressing these problems, organizations and individuals are finding new ways to support those in need of help. Networks are coming together to make sure that those suffering from these disparities are not left to battle their challenges alone.
Rob’s guest today is Rich Harwood, the President and Founder of the Harwood Institute. Rich is an author, speaker, and innovator, working through his institute to bring together people on the front lines to bring lasting change in the community. The Harwood Institute focuses on bringing groups together to tackle shared challenges through collaboration instead of competition. This is the perfect time for those in positions of leadership to find out what really matters to one’s community, stop the competition, and build stronger ecosystems in the community in order to create systemic change.
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 other areas of need in the world, such as the foster care system in the United States.
Rita Soronen, CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
There are over 400,000 children in the foster care system at any time in the United States, with 125,000 of those children permanently separated from their family of origin. This is actually a 23% increase from 2012. On top of all of that, over 20,000 teenagers age out of the foster care system every year. It is so important to make sure these children leave the system with a strong family and support system. There are so many challenges and gaps in the system that need to be addressed to make sure these children have a shot at a successful future. Rob’s guest today is Rita Soronen, the CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Rita is here to talk about the urgent needs of foster youth and to dispel some of the myths that surround the foster care system and those involved.
No child chooses the house, family, or situation that they are born into. Some are lucky, coming into families that have resources and love to take care of them. For so many others, a dysfunctional household filled with violence or drugs is all that they know. Problems like these are the reasons that the foster care system is seeing such a dramatic increase in numbers every year. It’s important that the public understands that though these children are where they are through no fault of their own, they still need the attention, security, and resources that every other child needs!
How to be fearless about making change according to Jean Case
Apr 24, 2020
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 has written a book about people who will inspire us all. My guest today is Jean Case. Jean is the Chairman of the National Geographic Society and CEO of the Case Foundation. She is a philanthropist, investor and an internet/impact investing pioneer who advocates for the importance of embracing a more fearless approach to innovate and bring about transformational breakthroughs.
She has just written a new book entitled: Be Fearless. Jean set out to investigate the core qualities of great change makers, past and present, from inventors to revolutionaries, she found five surprising traits all had in common. Enjoy today’s show.
Finding Hope in the Midst of the COVID-19 Crisis
Mar 31, 2020
What a year last week has been, right? The world has undergone a change that most people have never seen in their lifetime!
In times like these, it can be difficult to see anything positive. That’s why Rob has dedicated this episode to talking with nonprofit leaders from around the country about what they are doing to keep moving forward in their local communities and how they are staying hopeful in such dark times. Mark Kennedy Shriver, Beth Kanter, David Rivel, Kate Rubalcava, and Carly Fiorina join Rob today with a plethora of diverse nonprofit leadership experience between them. Mark is the Senior Vice President of US Programs and Advocacy for Save the Children. Beth is an internationally-acclaimed master trainer, blogger, speaker, and best-selling author. David is the CEO of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, New York City’s largest social service organization. Kate is the CEO of the Utah Nonprofits Association and serves on the board of the National Council of Nonprofits. Carly is a former presidential candidate and former CEO of Hewlett Packard, eventually starting her own nonprofit, the Unlocking Potential Foundation.
Across the country, these nonprofit leaders are seeing uncertainty in the communities that they are working to support. There’s a lot of fear and anxiety right now, and it’s going to take a lot of creativity to respond to these problems to make sure that no one gets left in the wake of the ongoing spread of COVID-19. More than ever, this is a time to band together and help those who don’t have the resources to support themselves. Whatever crisis you are facing during this time of uncertainty, hopefully, you can take something from this incredible group of leaders and use it to guide you through these unprecedented times.
How the National Dance Institute Is Changing Kids’ Lives
Mar 15, 2020
Not enough can be said about the impact that arts education can have on developing motor skills, the ability to be creative, visual spacial skills, and building confidence.
Ellen Weinstein and Traci Lester, National Dance Institute (photo credit Eduardo Patino, NYC)
Rob’s guests today have chosen to invest in the next generation through the art of dance. Ellen Weinstein and Traci Lester both work at the National Dance Institute in New York City with a simple goal: change kid’s lives with the power of dance. Ellen began teaching and choreographing for the National Dance Institute (NDI) in 1985, and after 10 years was named Artistic Director of the in-school program, which serves nearly 6,000 kids throughout NYC. Traci joined the National Dance Institute in 2016 as the Executive Director, previously serving at LSA, a neighborhood-based non-profit which delivers a holistic model of human services in NYC. Through dance, poetry, literature, and other arts, teachers are able to engage emotion, and when emotion is engaged, true learning can take place.
The National Dance Institute, or NDI, was founded in 1976 by Jacques d’Amboise with the hope that every child can have an education in the arts. He believed that the skills that children learned from the program could help them conduct the choreography of their own lives, rather than train professional dancers. As of right now, the NDI is in 44 schools throughout NYC, 13 associate programs across the country, as well as 2 international programs in Shanghai and Beirut. Through these incredible programs, over 2 million children from around the world have been impacted by the NDI.
If you would like a program at your school or to volunteer, please reach out: info@nationaldance.org
Hear Harvard Divinity’s Dean and His Thoughts on Leadership and Educating Our Future Leaders
Mar 03, 2020
Dr. David N. Hempton, the dean of the Harvard Divinity School
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 historian, with special interests in religious and political culture, secularization and religion, as well as identity and conflict. From Belfast, Northern Ireland, David began to dive deep into his interests while studying at University, eventually making a shift to Boston University in order to join the professor’s program. After that, he made his way to Harvard and for the past eight years, he has served as the dean of the Divinity School.
Harvard Divinity is non-sectarian and non-denominational with over 400 students from a diverse set of geographical and religious backgrounds. From this group of impressive students, about a quarter go into church ministry of some form, another quarter into academic life, and all of them are looking to incorporate a greater sense of purpose in what they do. Rob discusses with Dr. Hempton the data showing that many millennials are leaving institutional religion for the nonprofit sector. David hopes that these students can still leave with great respect for religious traditions as a whole, especially those other than their own. Through tolerance and understanding, these students can go on to become the future leaders of the nonprofit sector and the world as a whole.
How a family foundation is helping to transform transportation in New York City
Feb 17, 2020
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 guests from the donor side of things.
Nancy Rauch Douzinas and Dave Kapell of The Rauch Foundation
Joining Rob on the show is Nancy Rauch Douzinas, President of the Rauch Foundation and Dave Kapell, a consultant to the Foundation. The Rauch Foundation, a Long Island-based family foundation that invests in ideas and organizations that spark and sustain systematic change in our communities. The foundation was founded in 1961 and remained an unstaffed foundation until 1991 when Nancy became the President. The Rauch Foundation was able to gain notoriety by conducting an annual indicators report and special analysis of the entire region, gaining the full support of the governor of New York. Today, Nancy and Dave will share some important insights about how they are working to transform transportation in New York City with a $2.6 billion dollar project.
The Rauch Foundation’s hallmark achievement is its involvement with the Long Island Railroad, America’s busiest commuter railroad. The railroad on Long Island serves as the vascular system for the lives of everyone in the region. That’s why they decided to support the construction of a new rail station on the east side of Manhattan, thus creating a substantial saving of commute time for those that work on the east side. It is important to remember the vital role that foundations play when creating massive change in the community. Through the formation of The Right Track for Long Island Coalition and a partnership with the governor, The Rauch Foundation is making a difference that will impact millions of lives. “Foundations have the power of speaking truth to power.”
Elizabeth Beisel, Three-Time Olympian Swimmer, Shares Her Story.
Feb 06, 2020
Every little swimmers’ goal is to stand on that podium at the Olympics, but it all starts with that first jump in the water and someone to show you how.
Elizabeth Beisel, three-time olympian swimmer and 2016 USA swim team captain
Rob’s guest today is Elizabeth Beisel, a three-time olympian swimmer and the 2016 USA swim team captain. During her career, she won two Olympic medals and multiple world championships. Jumping into the pool for the first time at the age of five, it only took Elizabeth ten years to become an olympian. Over her grueling career, she learned that once you step on the blocks, it’s all about your mentality when you want to take it to that next level. Since retiring, she has turned her attention towards the nonprofit sector while continuing to keep her focus on swimming. Elizabeth was recently selected to serve on the USA Swimming Foundation board of directors.
The USA Swimming Foundation provides grants to local clubs, and has donated $3 million in the past several years. Their hope is that they can remove the financial barrier that might stand between low-income families and learning how to swim. To do this, they must fundraise, which mostly consists of donors who are in or around the sport. Elizabeth knows that maintaining their donor and volunteer base is vital to maintaining a successful and stable nonprofit.
How Millennials Are Impacting How We Lead
Jan 29, 2020
There are so many different challenges facing the nonprofit sector today. One of those is how nonprofit organizations can recruit and retain millennials for the long haul.
Rhea Wong, host of the Nonprofit Lowdown Podcast
Studies show that millennials are seeking a better work-life balance, which has led to a movement towards the “gig-based” economy when it comes to nonprofits. While compensation is important, the millennial generation is especially value-driven, looking to really make a difference with their lives where they work. That’s why many of them are making the move into the nonprofit sector. However, one of the challenges facing the nonprofit sector when recruiting millennials is the fact that nonprofit organizations usually do not pay as well as for-profit companies. So how are nonprofits going to respond to this changing environment?
Rob’s guest today is Rhea Wong, someone who has felt the wear and tear of the high-responsibility, low-pay culture of the nonprofit sector. Rhea has over a decade of experience as an Executive Director, focusing on scaling up nonprofits in the education management industry. She also hosts the Nonprofit Lowdown Podcast. Rhea has made a switch over to the consulting side of the sector, helping nonprofits increase their impact on communities, as well as helping the sector as a whole move into the modern-day world. It is important to have a happy and healthy work-life balance, and if the nonprofit sector hopes to continue recruiting the best and brightest of this next generation, then it needs to be able to raise the resources necessary to support that balance for its employees.
Why Mark Kennedy Shriver Has Dedicated Himself to Serve Children in Poverty
Jan 14, 2020
Mark Kennedy Shriver, President of Save the Children Action Network and Senior VP of US Programs and Advocacy of Save the Children
Many politicians will say that children are our future, but when push comes to shove, how many really invest what is needed to make that future a reality?
Rob’s guest today, Mark Kennedy Shriver, has dedicated his life to this cause. Mark has had a successful career up to this point, serving as a Member of the Maryland House of Delegates for 8 years. After working in the government, Mark decided to become involved in the nonprofit sector. In 2003 he dedicated himself to the organization, Save The Children. Since 2014, he has served as president of Save The Children Action Network as well as the Senior VP of US Programs and Advocacy of Save The Children. From his experience in the government sector to the nonprofit sector, Mark has continued to serve his community and his country by making it his personal goal to get everyone to invest in the future of our children.
Save The Children first opened its doors in England back in 1919 and eventually made its way to the US in the 1930s with the goal of helping those children affected by the Great Depression. With a focus on the needs of children before, during, and after disasters, Save The Children has had great success at the legislative level by getting government leaders and corporations to invest in making an impact. Slowly but surely, they are creating a movement across the country with the hope of reaching every child in need.
Carly Fiorina’s Insights On Leadership
Dec 31, 2019
One of the most important parts of being a great leader is having an innate ability to solve both simple and complex problems.
Carly Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett Packard
Rob’s guest on the show is Carly Fiorina, the former CEO of Hewlett Packard and a former presidential candidate. Carly started the Unlocking Potential Foundation, a nonprofit focused on providing leaders with the tools necessary to sharpen and strengthen their problem-solving skills. She saw the lack of investment in the nonprofit world and decided to invest her leadership experience into this sector. Throughout her career as a leader, Carly has often been faced with the problem of separating management from leadership. What she has found is that whether you’re working at the top or the bottom, in a for-profit or nonprofit, leadership is always the same; acting as a catalyst for positive change. After all, a true leader is focused on collaborating with others in order to create a positive impact.
At Hewlett Packard, Carly was brought in to preserve what was working and reinvent what was not working. Coming into a company that had already been successful, Carly faced the challenge of sparking change in the face of the overwhelmingly powerful status quo. Being the first outsider, first non-engineer, and first woman to serve as CEO of the company, Carly faced a difficult amount of scrutiny. Through it all, she learned valuable leadership lessons.
How to Create Effective Systemic Change in Our Communities
Dec 19, 2019
Heather McLeod Grant, co-founder of Open Impact
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 to collaborate with each other as well as with both the government and private sector, in order to take on these growing issues. Rob’s guest today, Heather McLeod Grant, is the co-founder of Open Impact, as well as an author, speaker, and consultant with more than 25 years of experience working to create systemic change. In her new book, Leading Systems Change, Open Impact conducted a research study in two counties in California. Her findings showed just how disconnected the nonprofits have been in that area, both horizontally and vertically. At the same time, their initial findings showed an appetite and momentum for change from the new leaders.
Open Impact, a social impact advising firm, was able to bring together an incredibly diverse group of leaders and put them through six months of intensive leadership training. Through tracking different levels such as individual leadership, networking, and the systems that they were embedded in, they were able to see a massive rise in collaborations amongst different sectors.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at: rob@ccofpc.org To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/
Learn About a Company Making It Easier to Give to Nonprofits Through Planned Giving
Dec 10, 2019
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 best things that you can leave behind, and Rob’s guest today, Patrick Schmitt, is making it easier than ever. Patrick, along with Jenny Xia Spradling, co-founded FreeWill, a company created to help you write your will and provide guidance on where you want your money to go after you die. It’s their goal to make estate planning warm, accessible, and completely free.
Patrick Schmitt and Jenny Xia, Co-Founders of FreeWill
FreeWill is an award-winning social venture founded by these two graduate students of Stanford University in 2016, with the help and support of many of the world’s leading experts in law, design, and philanthropy. It is an online platform that makes estate planning incredibly easy for individuals. Whilst many will prefer to do so through https://www.essaylibrown.com/ and similar services, this opens up the market for those who may not normally make use of such services. When people plan their estate through FreeWill, they are six times more likely to leave money for charities and nonprofits. Through partnering with nonprofits, FreeWill can help make custom websites and avenues to donate. Through careful planning and an environment of giving, FreeWill has already helped donate almost $1 billion to nonprofits and charities. When people near the end of their lives or even when they hit retirement age, some will want to contribute to charities that they feel passionate about but were not able to previously give much to them. The right retirement plan can help you out with what you want out of your retirement income and how you want to handle it when the time comes, checking out sites such as SoFi will be of great benefit to those who need to make that decision at any age.
Links to Resources: See how you can make a difference after you go with FreeWill!
What Is “Mission Creep” and How to Avoid It
Dec 06, 2019
Mission creep can happen to the best of nonprofit organizations. In particular, when nonprofits are seeking funding, the risk of mission creep becomes higher. How do we as nonprofit leaders avoid mission creep, in particular when nonprofits work with government agencies. Author Liana Downey is my guest on this week’s Podcast and she will address this critical question. Liana is an internationally acclaimed strategic advisor dedicated to creating social change. As executive director of Liana Downey & Associates, Downey leads a high performing global team that helps visionary social leaders and organizations increase focus and change lives. In this episode she explains how nonprofits and government agencies can work together more effectively, without experiencing mission creep. Her book is “Mission Control”. Enjoy today’s show.
The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Cinch and CCPC.
Leadership Insights From New York City’s Largest Social Services, Nonprofit Organization
Nov 19, 2019
David Rivel, CEO of The Jewish Board
Running the largest social services nonprofit organization in the largest city in the United States is incredibly rewarding, but it is no walk in the park.
David Rivel is the CEO of The Jewish Board, a nonprofit organization that provides mental health and social services to some of New York’s most at-risk residents. As government funding has changed the way that human services are paid, David has been presented with challenges to take The Jewish Board in new directions. Just 4 years ago, The Jewish Board absorbed about 9,000 clients at 22 locations, along with 800 new staff members from one of New York City’s largest social services organizations, following its collapse. This move would vault The Jewish Board into New York City’s top spot as the largest social services organization.
The Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, or The Jewish Board, aims to help people facing unique challenges in three main categories, those with mental health issues, people who have been neglected, and those born with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. For all three populations, The Jewish Board provides both residential and community-based services. Most of their funding comes from government contracts at both the local and federal levels while raising about $16 million a year on their own. When David came in, he immediately began to work building up the amount of fundraising for the organization following the stock market crash of 2008. From that challenging time, he was able to bring The Jewish Board from a middle-tier nonprofit to New York City’s largest.
Enjoy today’s show.
Links to Resources: Find out more about The Jewish Board and help make a difference today! Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
Why a two billion dollar nonprofit dramatically changed their most important program
Nov 03, 2019
Ivan Gomez, Head of Marketing, Innovation, and Research at World Vision
There is nothing scarier in this world than change, because what we are often most afraid of is the unknown. How do you summon the organizational courage to bring about change in light of this?
Today’s guest answers this question and explains why this $2 billion dollar nonprofit chose to dramatically change the most important program they had. Rob’s guest today is Ivan Gomez. Ivan is the Head of Marketing, Innovation, and Research at World Vision, a nonprofit organization that focuses on humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy. World Vision is active in nearly 100 countries with a total revenue of more than $2 billion. They recently decided to turn everything around in their successful child sponsorship program. Instead of sponsors choosing a child, the child now gets the opportunity to choose their sponsor. This emerged, in part, out of the desire World Vision had to further empower those in extreme poverty. Making a massive change like this comes with many challenges from a marketing standpoint and Ivan’s here to tell you how they are navigating those obstacles.
World Vision started out of the struggles of children and refugees that were impacted by the Korean War. Throughout the years, World Vision has been at the forefront of the largest crises around the world, from the Vietnam War to the AIDS crisis. Working alongside these shattered communities, they work to assist people in pulling themselves out of poverty. Their goal is to identify and address the sources of poverty within each community in order to stop these problems at the source.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at: rob@ccofpc.org
How one well-known company has made social impact a part of their DNA
Oct 21, 2019
Unfortunately, cancer is something that impacts each and every one of us, whether it be through your parents, siblings, friends, etc.
Lori Kun, Head of Social Impact at Qualtrics
Qualtrics is a company founded in the wake of a man discovering that he had cancer. What originally started in the basement of a home in Utah now is one of the most established tech companies today. Qualtrics is an experience management company that utilizes surveys and feedback software to close the experience gap in order to provide data-informed results. What’s really amazing about this company is that they have been able to make social impact a part of their DNA, specifically in the area of cancer research. When it comes to making an impact on the world, it is necessary to dream big dreams.
Rob’s guest today is Lori Morency Kun, the Head of Social Impact at Qualtrics. In her position, Lori has devoted her career to cancer research. People in today’s world want to have a positive impact on the world just as much as they want to make money. Laurie thinks it is important for people to be involved, especially as employees. That’s why at Qualtrics it is important to make sure that everyone has their opportunity to make a difference in what they are passionate about. Through this goal, they are able to measure and ultimately improve employee experience in order to make a positive cultural impact while also improving revenue. Many believe that cancer is the disease of our generation, and Qualtrics wants to make sure that we are the generation that finally cures it.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at: rob@ccofpc.org
How One Nonprofit Is Breaking The Cycle of Intergenerational Poverty
Sep 30, 2019
How can we as individuals and a society help break down the systemic barriers that keep different economic and social groups in a cycle of stress and poverty?
Laura Zumdahl, President and CEO of New Moms
Rob’s guest today, Laura Zumdahl, heads an organization that focuses on serving new moms. She is the president and CEO of New Moms, a Nonprofit in Chicago that helps young mothers and their children find safe and stable housing, paths to employment, and develop the parenting skills that they need to thrive and survive for both them and their children. New Moms’ ultimate goal is to interrupt the cycle of poverty and hardship in which many young mothers find themselves. These women often need mentors to help show them the dreams that they can’t perhaps see on their own.
There may be no more important group of people in our societies than mothers. They yield so much influence in our lives and help determine how so many of us turn out as human beings. Supporting young mothers in those critical childhood years can not only help mothers through a very stressful time but also helps young children develop in a healthy way. New Moms helps put these young mothers in the driver’s seat of their own lives, through goal setting and leadership training.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at: rob@ccofpc.org
How One Person Has Made The World Better Through Connecting People and Ideas Together
Sep 13, 2019
Ami Dar, Founder and Executive Director of Idealist.org
Rob truly believes that inside each and every one of us, there is a desire to make the world a better place. The only question is, how do we make our impact?
Rob’s guest today, Ami Dar, didn’t stop at that question. He also sought to figure out a way to bring others together who also wanted to do good. Creating future leaders for positive change is Ami’s biggest mission. He has been influenced and shaped as a leader throughout his life by various people and experiences, such as his wonderful mother and his time in the military. Ami understands that in order to change this world and really make an impact, you have to connect to others with a similar mindset and you must be willing to take risks.
Ami is the founder and executive director of Idealist.org, one of the most popular non-profit resources online. Idealist.org is a site that is focused on the interaction of those who want to make a difference from all over the world. He believes that by connecting people that want to do good with ideas and opportunities around the world, each individual can make their impact. Closing the gap between intention and action will change the world, one person at a time.
To connect with other difference makers and make your impact, visit Idealist.org If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at: rob@ccofpc.org
How do we overcome our growing divisiveness in today’s cultural context
Sep 01, 2019
There are so many challenges in our world today, whether they be economic, social, political, or otherwise. Additionally, there is a growing divisiveness in our own culture today. So what are we to do with our divisive environment?
My guest on the show believes it starts from within. My guest is Tim Shriver, who has been both CEO and Chairman of the Special Olympics for 25 years.
Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, Inc.
He works to promote health, education, and a more unified world through the joy of sports. Tim’s mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver started the Special Olympics in 1968, and he will talk about what prompted her to first start the Special Olympics. He currently leads the International Board of Directors for the Special Olympics and serves together with over 5.6 million Special Olympics athletes in 172 countries. He serves on several well-known boards, has written a NY Times best selling book and produced 4 films.
The Special Olympics has created so many moments that bring people face-to-face with those with disabilities. These moments are not always quantifiable or measurable, but they have certainly changed millions of people’s lives for the better all over the world. In order to overcome this divisiveness in today’s culture, leaders must push for people to keep their hearts open. The ability to lead by example through showing acceptance is a superpower of all great leaders. With our hearts open, we can learn to accept anyone, no matter what their disability. There are beautiful things in all of us that are capable of shining a light of acceptance, and through that light, lead others to open up their hearts too and eventually change the world.
Links to Resources: Find out more about the Special Olympics at specialolympics.org
This show is sponsored by CCPC, a humanitarian, community resource center, helping to meet people at their point of need.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at: rob@ccofpc.org
How overcoming your obstacles can help you write your own story
Aug 22, 2019
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 attempted to write about you in order to write your own story?
My guest today is Flip Flippen, founder and chairman of Flippen Group, one of the fastest-growing educator training, corporate training, and team development companies in North America. Flip has spent the majority of his life investing in people, whether that be through the Flippen Group or his non-profit work with troubled youths. He is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller, Your Third Story, where he shares how you can write the story that you want for your life, rather than having someone else dictate your chapters.
You can’t build anything worthwhile if you don’t do it at a personal sacrifice. When you are building any company or just going through life, there are certain setbacks and obstacles that you are bound to face during your journey that test who you are as a person. It is vital that you are surrounded by the right people to help you or your company through the unique constraints that await you. When you’re faced with these challenges, you can either be a victim or find your way through adversity and make something beautiful out of it. It is in these moments that we unknowingly write our own stories, instead of allowing someone else to do it for us. We can’t let our fears dictate our future decisions.
If you have questions or want to come on the show, email Rob at: rob@ccofpc.org
How important the role of play is in a child’s overall development may surprise you.
Jul 30, 2019
Jill Violet – courtesy of James Irvine Foundation
How many of you remember recess as being your highlight of the day back in elementary school?
Would you be surprised to learn that in the last decade, nearly half of all school districts nationwide have either completely eliminated or reduced specific time for recess. Even though more rigorous academic standards and measurements typically dominate the headlines when it comes to our children’s educational future, the importance of playtime continues to be a critical, yet often neglected, aspect of our developmental and educational growth. Research has shown that students who play develop healthier lifestyles, are more attentive in class, and achieve greater academic, social, and emotional success.
For over 20 years, the nonprofit organization Playworks has been the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children’s social and emotional health. My guest today is Jill Vialet, Founder and CEO of Playworks, the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play in America’s schools today.
How to become the leader you would follow
Jul 15, 2019
Scott Miller
Leadership is talked about all the time, in books, podcasts, blogs and conferences. How do you become a leader that others would want to follow? How do you become a leader that you would want to follow?
My guest today has written a book that addresses that exact question. My guest today is Scott Miller, he is the EVP of Thought Leadership for global organizational improvement firm FranklinCovey and just released a new book, Management Mess to Leadership Success: 30 Challenges to Become the Leader You Would Follow.
In the book, Scott shares relatable, accessible, relevant experience and guidance with a refreshing transparency of his own ups and downs in leadership positions. Along with his experiences, the book guides readers in an introspective review of their own personal leadership style to ultimately help them become the kind of leader they would follow.
Nonprofit author and coach Joan Garry’s thoughts on leadership
Jul 02, 2019
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 out for a ‘whisperer’ to guide them behind the scenes. Joan Garry knows this all too well.
Before becoming an advisor to many of our nation’s leading nonprofits, Joan was Executive Director of GLAAD. She’s also advised leaders and worked on organizational strategy at UNICEF, the Ford Foundation, Union for Reform Judaism, The Legal Aid Society, and Union Theological Seminary, among others.
Joan Garry
She has an impressive following comprising of 100,000 board members, charitable workers and volunteers in over 150 countries through her agency, blog, book and podcast, “Nonprofits Are Messy”.
How can Wall Street make money for social good?
Jun 25, 2019
Ethan Powell
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 of Impact Shares – the first 501(c)(3) nonprofit exchange-traded fund (ETF) platform.
Backed by the Rockefeller Foundation, Impact Shares helps organizations translate their social values into an investable product that is traded on the Exchange. Their non-profit partners define a set of evolving criteria for companies that are committed to being a part of their ETF to ensure ongoing alignment of corporate behaviors with social values. A portion of these profits go directly back to these non-profit partners. Currently, Impact Shares has two non-profit partners focused on gender and racial diversity, as well as one focused on sustainability.
Enjoy today’s show.
Are you positioned to receive major philanthropic gifts from the world’s largest donors?
May 16, 2019
William Foster
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 approach development for your Nonprofit or NGO?
Today’s guest has been studying the changing landscape of philanthropy and the desire by a growing number of billionaires to invest and support efforts that will have the most positive impact on society’s biggest challenges.
William Foster is my guest today on the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. He recently co-wrote a special edition collection of research papers through the Bridgespan Group published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review called Unleashing Philanthropy’s Big Bets for Social Change. On today’s episode, we will examine how Nonprofit organizations can better position themselves to attract and effectively secure major philanthropic gifts to their most important initiatives.
Enjoy today’s show!
How to inspire others facing difficult challenges
Apr 29, 2019
Casey Baynes
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 inspire and positively encourage others who are faced with such challenges?
My guest today exemplifies just that, through her energetic and positive spirit. Casey Baynes is the founder and Executive Director of “Casey Cares”, a nonprofit that provides ongoing and uplifting programming to critically ill children, their siblings and their parents.
Headquartered in Baltimore, Casey Cares works with families in eight states and Washington D.C. In 2018, the non-profit provided programming for over 33,000 participants.Enjoy today’s show
How to become more inclusive and equitable in our nonprofit organizations
Apr 11, 2019
Paolo Gaudiano
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 comes to your organization? And how can you become even more inclusive and equitable in your leadership?
Author and researcher Paolo Gaudiano is my guest today and he will address these topics. He is the President at ARC, Aleria Research Corporation and is a speaker, writer, teacher. Aleria Research Corporation is a nonprofit that conducts scientific, charitable research related to Diversity & Inclusion.
Enjoy today’s show.
Is self-leadership the most important type of leadership?
Apr 04, 2019
There are so many books about leadership. Many books are about new skills you can learn, bad habits to unlearn or new perspectives to incorporate into your leadership.
Terry Looper
My guest today argues that the most important aspect of your leadership is this: self-leadership. My guest is Terry Looper is the founder and CEO of Texon LP, a leading oil and energy company in Houston, Texas. Terry shares quite a bit about his faith and how his faith has shaped his leadership style today. He has written a new book called: Sacred Pace.
His book traces his journey of success, burnout, and rediscovering his priorities. Enjoy today’s show.
Whatever happened to the Muscular Dystrophy Association after Jerry Lewis?
Mar 20, 2019
Lynn O’Connor Vos – President and CEO of the MDA
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 national chairman, the MDA is still going strong. In fact my guest on the show today is the new President and CEO of the MDA, Lynn O’Connor Vos.
MDA continues to raise millions of dollars for neuromuscular research and care, and remains the largest non-government funder of research on muscular dystrophy, ALS and other neuromuscular diseases. Find out about the latest, exciting news from the MDA. Enjoy today’s show!
Ending Tropical Diseases
Feb 20, 2019
Ellen Agler
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 as the CEO of the END Fund, a private philanthropic initiative working to end five neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting 1.5 billion people—1 in 5 people alive today. She is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Health Security Advisory Board.
Ellen holds graduate degrees in International Health from the Harvard School of Public Health and in Development Studies from the London School of Economics. She is also the author of a new book entitled: Under the Big Tree: Extraordinary stories from the Movement to end neglected tropical diseases. Enjoy today’s show.
Jean Case Inspires Us to Be Fearless
Feb 14, 2019
Jean Case
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 has written a book about people who will inspire us all. My guest today is Jean Case. Jean is the Chairman of the National Geographic Society and CEO of the Case Foundation. She is a philanthropist, investor and an internet/impact investing pioneer who advocates for the importance of embracing a more fearless approach to innovate and bring about transformational breakthroughs.
She has just written a new book entitled: Be Fearless. Jean set out to investigate the core qualities of great change makers, past and present, from inventors to revolutionaries, she found five surprising traits all had in common. Enjoy today’s show.
The power of a clear vision
Feb 01, 2019
Justin Narducci – CEO of Lifewater International
The power of a clear vision. We talk a lot about vision on this show. My guest today leads an organization that has really sought to create a clear vision for not only their work, but for helping to foster a holistic, healthy village. My guest today is Justin Narducci who is the CEO of Lifewater International a faith-based clean water organization.
Justin left his job at Boeing and took over at Lifewater when its financial viability was in doubt. Now, it has grown 3x over the last five years and has launched a bold initiative to revolutionize the ways donors track the impact of their gifts. Enjoy today’s show.
PGA TOUR generates millions of dollars to nonprofits every year…
Jan 18, 2019
Tom Alter current official PGA TOUR staff headshot. (Photo by Jennifer Perez/PGA TOUR)
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 as a surprise to most of us, who probably wouldn’t put the PGA TOUR and Charity in the same sentence without knowing that fact.
My guest today is Tom Alter and he is Vice President of Editorial Development for the PGA TOUR. He is going to share with us about the remarkable amount of charitable dollars the PGA TOUR generates and how this process works. I think you will be surprised.
Enjoy today’s show!
What the Harvard Business Review has to say about leadership
Dec 31, 2018
Ron Ashkenas
Leadership is the secret sauce to all effective organizations, nonprofit or otherwise. How to consistently grow as a leader is one of the most important goals for all nonprofit leaders. But growth in leadership takes time. My guest today is Ron Ashkenas, the co-author of a new book entitled: ”The Harvard Business Review Leader’s Handbook.” He and co-author Brook Manville provide an excellent guide for all leaders who want to excel in leadership through providing step-by-step instruction, curated best practices and real-life stories of people and organizations that have made a significant impact through their leadership, collected from Harvard Business Review.
As Partner Emeritus of Shaffer Consulting, Ron is a trusted advisor and coach to senior leaders across industries including the nonprofit sector. He has helped leading organizations achieve dramatic performance improvements while also helping CEOs and senior executives to strengthen their leadership capacity. Enjoy today’s show!
#MakingYourWorldBetter
How do we increase our impact for social change as Nonprofit organizations?
Dec 14, 2018
Ann Mei Cheng
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 collectively could exponentially increase our social impact?
My guest on today’s show argues that to increase our impact, we must come up with solutions that are embraced by beneficiaries and include an engine that can accelerate growth to match the scale of the needs. My guest today is Ann Mei Cheng.
She is the Author of “Lean Impact”. Previously, she was Chief Innovation Officer at USAID and Mercy Corps, and served the U.S. Department of State as Senior Advisor for Women and Technology in the Office of Global Women’s Issues. Prior to that, Ann Mei Chang had more than 20 years’ experience as a technology executive at such leading companies as Google and Apple, and she is a keynote speaker who has been featured at TEDx among others venues.
Enjoy today’s show.
What kind of impact is the “Age of Automation” that we are living in, having on our Nonprofits?
Nov 28, 2018
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 author of The Networked Nonprofit books. She is an internationally acclaimed master trainer, blogger and speaker. She has been most recently researching the impact of Automation on the nonprofit sector. This is our focus with today’s show. Thanks for listening!
How a philanthropic initiative is providing reliable funding to help nonprofits move forward
Nov 15, 2018
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 projects and shut down creative initiatives set up to move nonprofits forward. How can the social sector keep impact on track in an unpredictable world? Fast and flexible funding can certainly help.
My guest today is Caroline Bressan, Director of Social Investments for Open Road Alliance. Open Road Alliance is a philanthropic initiative and offers fast funding to nonprofits and social enterprises facing unexpected roadblocks. It made its first grant in 2012 and now offers loans as well.
What does successful leadership look like?
Oct 31, 2018
What has made the New York City Marathon the largest and arguably the most successful race in the country? Hint: It has a lot to do with the Director of the Marathon.
My guest today is Peter Ciaccia. Peter is the globally respected Race Director of the TCS New York City Marathon and President of Events at New York Road Runners (NYRR). He has announced that he will retire following this year’s New York City Marathon.
We are excited to have him on the show and share about the secret to his leadership success. Enjoy today’s show.
Why Building Leaders is Your Most Important Job
Oct 29, 2018
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 of leadership. She is Tami Heim and she has three decades of executive leadership in a variety of industries including department stores, specialty big box retailing, publishing, strategic brand development, technology, and nonprofit work.
She currently serves as the president and CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance, where she leads a team dedicated to providing transformation learning experiences for over 6,000 nonprofit leaders and the organizations they serve. She seeks to inspire and engage leaders in higher thinking for greater impact.
Building a Digital Fundraising Framework
Oct 23, 2018
There is no doubt that we are living in a world where technology is ever changing. Keeping up with latest software, newest ap, and most cutting edge technology takes work. My guest today on the show is going to talk about how we can maximize current technology to benefit your organization.
Jesse Lane is the CMO at the technology company called Pure Charity (http://purecharity.org/NLP ). They work with hundreds of nonprofits through their software and donation platform. They also provide coaching to nonprofits on how to grow their organizations through innovation, storytelling, digital marketing, online fundraising sites, and leadership.
Today, we want to focus our conversation on how nonprofit leaders can build a framework to fuel digital fundraising. And for this show, if you are interested in getting help for your website, they have set up a page just for listeners of my show. Check it out: http://purecharity.org/NLP .
Enjoy today’s show.
What’s the most effective way to alleviate poverty?
Oct 04, 2018
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, creating dignified and sustainable work, is the most effective way to alleviate poverty over the long haul and actually serves as the foundation that brings about transformative change in people and communities.
My guest today is Atul Tandon. He is the CEO of Opportunity International. Opportunity International is a Nonprofit Organization that has been around for 50 years. They support over 10 million from across the world with microenterprise loans, technology and other resources that help them break the cycle of poverty and become prominent business leaders. Opportunity International is active in 22 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe.
Atul Tandon brings 35-plus years of experience that spans both the For-Profit and the Non-Profit sector. I know you are going to really benefit from hearing Atul share his unique perspective on how to alleviate poverty in some of the world’s most difficult places.
Enjoy today’s show.
Fundraising with Social Media
Sep 14, 2018
Fundraising and Social Media: Whatever you think of social media, one thing we all know is that social media is ubiquitous in our culture. The question for today’s show is: How can you and I maximize social media for the benefit of our nonprofit organizations? Specifically online giving. Churches looking to gather funds to support their operations and building maintenance may want to consider giving their congregation access to an online giving platform like Tithe.ly. How can you utilize social media to increase your funding? The more exposure that your social media account has, the more likely that your fundraising campaign will gain any traction and so it is vital that your begin building an audience if you hope to be noticed at all or have any online engagement of note. Those looking to do this on the Instagram platform may well want to utilize a growth service. You can see one such example of this here – https://nitreo.com/jarvee. Instagram is one of the most popular social media sites in the world and so it only makes sense that you would want a piece of the action to further your own goals. With a growth service, you will be able to organically grow your following online so that you can increase your exposure and engagement as well as further your cause. Bolstering your influence on social media can be a daunting prospect but, with the right tools, it can be an easy beast to tame. My guest on the show today is Claire Kerr and she is here to help answer those questions and more. Claire is the Director of Digital Philanthropy for FrontStream. She has served in senior roles at nonprofit organizations in the economic development, education and health and research sectors. She is dedicated to the positive uses of technology in the non-profit environment.
Enjoy today’s show.
How Do You Deal With Succession?
Sep 01, 2018
Each year, nonprofit boards of every type, large and small, have to deal with succession. Specifically, bringing in a successor to the founder of an organization. What is the blueprint for a successful baton-pass of succession, whether that be from founder to successor or current director to a new director? Whether you are a nonprofit leader focused on the future of your organization or a donor looking to maximize your investment in your favorite nonprofit, today’s show is for you. Donald Yeh from The Bridgespan Group helps nonprofits create strategies for navigating leadership challenges such as succession planning and scaling impact.
Enjoy today’s show!
What is the future of education?
Aug 14, 2018
What is the future of education? Is there a new skill set that students should be learning today to be successful? Specifically with the Nonprofit sector, is there a different set of leadership skills that universities ought to be training today? This and more will be covered by my guest today. He is Dr. Craig Detweiler, President of the The Seattle School Theology and Psychology (https://theseattleschool.edu), an innovative and progressive school offering a holistic approach to education.
Enjoy today’s show.
Malaria No More
Jul 24, 2018
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 the impactful work of organizations like Malaria No More, countries are becoming malaria-free.
How did this global nonprofit get started and what is its mission? My guest today is Martin Edlund, CEO of Malaria No More, here to tell us all about their fast growing nonprofit.
Enjoy today’s show!
*This podcast is sponsored by Earth Class Mail. If interested in their product, use promotion code “NLP” for a special podcast discount and go here: https://www.earthclassmail.com/pricing
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Stay Connected
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 projects and shut down creative initiatives set up to move nonprofits forward. How can the social sector keep impact on track in an unpredictable world? Fast and flexible funding can certainly help.
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 of leadership. She is Tami Heim and she has three decades of executive leadership in a variety of industries including department stores, specialty big box retailing, publishing, strategic brand development, technology, and nonprofit work.
There is no doubt that we are living in a world where technology is ever changing. Keeping up with latest software, newest ap, and most cutting edge technology takes work. My guest today on the show is going to talk about how we can maximize current technology to benefit your organization.
What is the most effective strategy to alleviate poverty?
Fundraising and Social Media: Whatever you think of social media, one thing we all know is that social media is ubiquitous in our culture. The question for today’s show is: How can you and I maximize social media for the benefit of our nonprofit organizations? Specifically online giving. Churches looking to gather funds to support their operations and building maintenance may want to consider giving their congregation access to an 
Each year, nonprofit boards of every type, large and small, have to deal with succession. Specifically, bringing in a successor to the founder of an organization. What is the blueprint for a successful baton-pass of succession, whether that be from founder to successor or current director to a new director? Whether you are a nonprofit leader focused on the future of your organization or a donor looking to maximize your investment in your favorite nonprofit, today’s show is for you. Donald Yeh from 
What is the future of education? Is there a new skill set that students should be learning today to be successful? Specifically with the Nonprofit sector, is there a different set of leadership skills that universities ought to be training today? This and more will be covered by my guest today. He is Dr. Craig Detweiler, President of the The Seattle School Theology and Psychology (
