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 Petco is impacting the lives of both pets and humans
Mar 06, 2023
Show notesSusanne 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
Show notesJonathan 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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How you can bring positive change to your organization
Feb 20, 2023
Show notesHal 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/
This Episode is sponsored by:
Walmart has a new way they are giving back to nonprofits
Feb 13, 2023
Show notesJulie 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/
This Episode is sponsored by:
How to bring technological change to your organization
Feb 06, 2023
Show notes
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/
This Episode is sponsored by:
How the Visa Foundation is helping both local and global nonprofits
Jan 30, 2023
Show notes
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/
This podcast episode is sponsored by:
Do we have a “worker shortage” in America or a “quality jobs shortage”?
Jan 23, 2023
Show notes
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
Show notes
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
This Podcast is sponsored by:
How to improve your organization’s diversity and inclusion with recruiting
Jan 09, 2023
Show notes
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
This Podcast is sponsored by:
What Amazon Web Services is doing to empower nonprofits to go further and faster
Jan 02, 2023
Show notes
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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