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!
The Biggest Fundraising Challenges Facing the Social Impact Sector
Dec 22, 2025
Show notesJena Lynch
In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Jena Lynch from Donorbox, a longtime sponsor and leading platform in nonprofit fundraising technology. Jena brings her unique perspective as a nonprofit thought leader and co-host of her own nonprofit podcast, sharing front-line insights from her work with organizations across the country.
Together, Rob and Jena dive into the key fundraising challenges facing nonprofit and social impact organizations as they look ahead to 2026. From shifting donor behaviors and the rise of recurring giving to the evolving role of AI, this episode is packed with practical advice, current trends, and forward-thinking strategies to help nonprofits navigate an uncertain fundraising environment with confidence and clarity.
Key Topics Include:
Why a return to the basics—like individual giving and deep donor relationships—is the trend to watch in 2025 and beyond
How nonprofits are adjusting to donor fatigue and declining donor counts despite rising gift amounts
The growing impact of Millennials and Gen Z on nonprofit engagement and fundraising behaviors
Tips for creating meaningful donor experiences and building long-term donor loyalty
The importance of legacy giving and preparing for the generational wealth transfer
How nonprofits are using AI practically and ethically to streamline operations and improve donor engagement
Strategies for intentional, transparent communication that increases donor trust and involvement
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 Story Behind the Real Cause of Hurricane Katrina’s Devastating Impact
Dec 14, 2025
Show notesSandy Rosenthal
In this episode, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Sandy Rosenthal, the founder of Levees.org, to uncover the shocking truth behind the catastrophic flooding of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. While most people attributed the devastation to the storm itself, Sandy discovered a deeper, man-made failure at the core of the disaster—the collapse of federally designed levees. Despite having no background in engineering or advocacy, Sandy turned her personal mission for justice into a national grassroots movement that is still influencing policy and education today.
Through tireless research, community mobilization, and resilience in the face of fierce opposition, Sandy Rosenthal not only revealed the truth about what went wrong during Hurricane Katrina but also sparked a national conversation about flood protection, government accountability, and citizen advocacy. In this episode, she shares her journey, the birth of Levees.org, and why education is key to preventing future disasters.
Key Topics Include:
The real reason behind New Orleans’ flooding during Hurricane Katrina
Sandy’s discovery of the Army Corps of Engineers’ responsibility in levee failures
How she overcame media silence, government opposition, and personal attacks
The founding of Levees.org and its expansion into a national advocacy movement
The importance of education and why engineering students should learn from failures
How Sandy transformed personal passion into sustained national advocacy
Practical advice for nonprofit leaders facing opposition in their own missions
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 Best to Approach Corporate Donors
Dec 07, 2025
Show notesAsha Varghese
In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes Asha Varghese, President of the Caterpillar Foundation. Asha shares insights into the foundation’s expansive philanthropic efforts, having invested over $1 billion into global communities since its inception in 1952. She emphasizes that this achievement is not a finish line, but a launch pad for even greater impact.
Asha discusses the foundation’s strategic focus on building resilient communities through workforce development, disaster preparedness, and sustainable infrastructure. She outlines how nonprofits can successfully align with corporate donors like Caterpillar by focusing on measurable impact, local empowerment, and long-term sustainability. This conversation is packed with practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to navigate today’s challenging fundraising landscape and create lasting social change.
Key Topics Include:
How the Caterpillar Foundation has invested over $1 billion since 1952 to support global communities
A three-pronged strategy: economic empowerment, infrastructure resilience, and employee engagement
The foundation’s long-term approach to disaster response and recovery, including partnerships with the Red Cross and CDP
Innovative workforce development initiatives such as mobile STEM labs and digital fabrication tech for students
The impact of federal funding cuts on nonprofits and how foundations are stepping in
Advice for nonprofit leaders on how to align with corporate foundations and submit strong funding proposals
The importance of systemic thinking, community-driven solutions, and data-driven impact measurement
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 a Small Group of College Students Launched a National Movement
Nov 30, 2025
Show notes
In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Aidan Reilly, co-founder of The Farmlink Project, a nonprofit that began as a college passion project and grew into a national food recovery movement. What started in 2020 as two friends trying to make a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic quickly evolved into a logistics powerhouse that has since delivered over 350 million pounds of food—soon to be half a billion.
Aidan shares the compelling origin story of Farmlink and how a group of students bridged the gap between farms with surplus food and food banks in desperate need. With impressive agility, grassroots organizing, and a deep sense of purpose, Farmlink has scaled nationwide and is now exploring international efforts. Aidan also discusses how Farmlink is addressing food waste, hunger, and climate change simultaneously—and how their innovative model may one day make their own work unnecessary.
Key Topics Include:
The founding of Farmlink during the pandemic by college students looking to make an impact
How Farmlink grew from a local food rescue effort to a national nonprofit operating in 27+ states
The logistics of moving nearly half a billion pounds of food and partnering with over 1,200 food banks and 400 farms
The systemic causes of food waste in the U.S. and how Farmlink is creating long-term infrastructure solutions
How Farmlink measures and communicates its climate and hunger relief impact to donors
The role of AI, predictive analytics, and capacity mapping in scaling nonprofit operations
Why public-private partnerships and policy advocacy are essential to solving food insecurity at scale
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!
Summary
The conversation with Aidan Reilly from the Farm Link Project explores the organization’s journey from a student-led initiative to a national movement addressing food waste and hunger. Aidan shares insights on the importance of partnerships, innovative solutions, and the impact of their work on communities and the environment. The discussion highlights the challenges faced in scaling their efforts and the vision for a sustainable food system that eliminates waste and hunger.
Quotes “We shouldn’t, let’s try to help.” “We rescued 50 million apples.” “We work with all food banks.”
Chapters 00:00 The Birth of Farm Link Project 02:54 Scaling Up: Partnerships and Systems 05:48 Connecting Farms and Food Banks 08:40 Addressing Food Waste and Consumer Preferences 11:35 Measuring Impact: Hunger Relief and Climate Outcomes 19:54 Harnessing AI for Nonprofit Scalability 22:34 Eliminating Waste and Hunger: A Guiding Philosophy 26:18 Building Infrastructure for Zero Waste 29:10 Overcoming Operational Challenges in Scaling 33:58 Strategizing for Future Growth and Impact
How Using a “Permission Ask” Can Improve Your Fundraising
Nov 23, 2025
Show notesJeff Schreifels
As year-end fundraising pressures mount, it’s more important than ever for nonprofits to adopt effective, donor-centered strategies. In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes Jeff Schreifels, Principal and Owner of Veritus Group—a global consulting agency focused on major and mid-level gift strategies. Jeff shares his proven insights into how organizations can build long-term sustainability by investing in relationships and shifting their fundraising mindset.
Jeff introduces the concept of “permission-based asking,” a transformational approach that empowers fundraisers to confidently and authentically engage donors. He outlines how social impact leaders can create meaningful connections, adopt a holistic donor journey, and overcome common barriers within siloed fundraising structures.
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 Move Beyond Short‑Term Relief to Systemic Change
Nov 17, 2025
Show notesDr. Kurt Ver Beek
In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek — longtime sociologist, adjunct professor at Calvin University, and co‑founder of the Honduran‑based nonprofit Association for a More Just Society (ASJ). Kurt has lived in Honduras for 30 + years and helps lead ASJ’s mission of advancing justice through structural reform rather than simply charity. Their discussion explores how nonprofits can transition from short‑term relief approaches to tackling systemic issues, particularly in contexts of high violence, corruption, and migration.
Key Topics Include:
The motivation behind founding ASJ in Honduras and shifting focus from relief to justice‑oriented work.
The four‑part strategy ASJ employs: investigation, alliance building, communications, and lobbying/incidence.
Real‑world examples from Honduras: tackling police corruption, reducing homicide rates, auditing government institutions.
Navigating donor expectations when working on long‑term systemic change rather than immediate tangible outcomes.
Insights on the migration‑to‑the‑U.S. debate: root causes in origin countries like Honduras, and how systems reform might reduce migration pressures.
Reflections on international aid: what works, what doesn’t, and how U.S. federal funding cuts are reshaping NGOs’ strategies.
The distinction between charity (relief), development (capacity building) and justice (systemic transformation) — and why justice work is harder, riskier, but essential.
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This Leader is Changing the Landscape for Digital Wellness
Nov 09, 2025
Show notes
In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter reconnects with Larissa “Larz” May, founder of the nonprofit #HalfTheStory and the newly launched for-profit social enterprise Ginko. Larissa returns to the show three years after her initial appearance to share her incredible growth journey—one that has seen her organization gain the backing of influential figures like Oprah Winfrey and Melinda French Gates, and collaborate with foundations and government leaders.
Born out of Larissa’s personal experience with mental health struggles exacerbated by social media, #HalfTheStory is dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital wellness activists. She shares how her nonprofit has grown, the importance of storytelling, and her recent launch of Ginko, the first clinician-backed, trusted AI for families with kids ages 6-14 years old, helping parents navigate screen time, social media, and online safety with peace of mind.
Key Topics Include:
Larissa May’s personal story and the founding of #HalfTheStory as a response to a digital mental health crisis.
The innovative use of storytelling and cultural relevance to grow a nonprofit from the ground up.
How #HalfTheStory scaled through partnerships with organizations like Girls Inc. and support from major philanthropists.
The launch of Ginko, the 24/7 guide for raising kids online.
The evolving role of nonprofits in the AI era and the importance of integrating tech with emotional intelligence.
Practical insights for nonprofit leaders on impact measurement, fundraising strategy, and maintaining a competitive edge.
Larissa’s call for changing the capital flow in the nonprofit sector and her vision for supporting future social impact entrepreneurs.
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!
Is Becoming a Nonprofit the Solution to the Struggles Facing Major News Organizations Today?
Nov 02, 2025
Show notesMonika Bauerlein
In this compelling episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with veteran journalist Monika Bauerlein, CEO of the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR), to explore whether transitioning to a nonprofit model could be the key to survival for today’s embattled media organizations. With a rich background that includes leading the nonprofit news outlet Mother Jones and overseeing its merger with CIR, Monika provides unique insights into the structural challenges and opportunities within modern journalism.
Monika discusses the historical context of nonprofit journalism, highlights the advantages of merging nonprofit entities, and outlines practical strategies for how social impact organizations can effectively partner with media outlets. She also dives deep into leadership lessons, fundraising tips, and the importance of storytelling in advocacy. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader or simply concerned about the future of journalism, this episode delivers essential guidance and thought-provoking ideas.
Key Topics Include:
The origin and evolution of nonprofit journalism, including the story of Mother Jones’ early challenges with the IRS
Why more media organizations are adopting the nonprofit model in response to collapsing ad revenues and political pressures
Insights from the successful merger of Mother Jones and the Center for Investigative Reporting
Leadership lessons for nonprofit CEOs, including overcoming imposter syndrome and building strong, complementary teams
Strategies for social impact organizations to work with media outlets and tell their stories more effectively
How the CIR is helping other nonprofits with back-end support services through its new initiative, CIR Media Services
The future outlook for journalism and the nonprofit model’s role in preserving investigative reporting
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!
Why a Leader’s First 90 Days Set the Tone for Long-Term Success
Oct 27, 2025
Show notes
In this insightful episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with healthcare leadership experts Kurt Mosley and Neill Marshall to explore why a leader’s first 90 days are pivotal to their long-term success. Drawing from decades of experience interviewing and placing thousands of healthcare executives, Kurt and Neill share powerful stories and actionable strategies that can benefit nonprofit leaders across all sectors.
From cultural missteps to missed early wins, the guests reveal that a leader’s early actions—or inactions—can define their credibility, influence, and effectiveness. They also share highlights from their popular “90-Day Series,” which provides a playbook for leaders navigating the critical first months in a new role. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and memorable anecdotes that drive home the importance of intentional leadership during transitions.
Key Topics Include:
-Why the first 90 days are critical for new leaders in any sector
-Common pitfalls like moving too fast or misreading an organization’s culture
-How listening and humility establish credibility early on
-The role of symbolic actions in building trust and shaping culture
-The importance of community engagement and external relationship-building
-Advice for boards and search committees on supporting executive transitions
-Memorable real-life stories that illustrate what to do—and what not to do
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 Fundraising Can Be a Bridge-Builder
Oct 20, 2025
Show notesJill Vorndran
In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Jill Vorndran, Chief Development Officer at Covenant House International, to explore a transformative approach to fundraising. Jill shares her unique perspective of using fundraising not just as a revenue tool but as a powerful bridge-builder—connecting generations, perspectives, and communities around a shared mission. With more than 20 years of development experience, Jill offers practical strategies and insightful leadership lessons that nonprofit professionals can apply right away.
As we head into the critical fourth quarter of the year, Jill and Rob dive into the essential components of successful year-end giving campaigns, how to retain top fundraising talent, and how to ensure every supporter has a positive, seamless giving experience. Whether you’re a seasoned development officer or just starting your nonprofit journey, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples to elevate your fundraising game.
Key Topics Include:
How fundraising can serve as a unifying force across diverse donor groups
Strategies for supporting CEOs in fundraising through targeted preparation and stewardship
Tips for donor retention and building long-term relationships through meaningful engagement
Building a culture of celebration to retain and motivate development staff
Maximizing year-end giving through monthly gifts, personalized donor calendars, and donor-friendly tech
The importance of hiring smart and building a pipeline of younger fundraisers for long-term success
How to use donor data to drive accountability and refine fundraising strategy
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!
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