Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Rob Harter

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Episodes

300

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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!

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60 recent

November 2, 202635 min

Bringing Your Organization’s Impact to Life Through Story

Matt Kamin How can nonprofit leaders use storytelling to inspire donors, strengthen fundraising efforts, and bring their organization’s mission to life? While statistics and impact reports are important, compelling stories are often what truly connect supporters to a cause. But how can nonprofits share these stories effectively while protecting the dignity and privacy of the people they serve? In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter sits down with Matt Kamin, nonprofit leader, fundraising expert, founder of Envision Consulting, and host of Nonprofit on the Rocks . Drawing on his experience leading nonprofit organizations and advising social impact leaders, Matt shares practical strategies for building a culture of philanthropy, using authentic storytelling to increase donor engagement, and communicating organizational impact. Rob and Matt also explore the role of AI in nonprofit communications, the opportunities and challenges of nonprofit mergers, and the leadership qualities needed to navigate financial uncertainty. Discover how your nonprofit can tell more powerful stories, inspire generosity, and ultimately expand its impact. Key Topics Include: The power of nonprofit storytelling: Why real-life stories often resonate more deeply with donors than statistics alone and how sharing meaningful outcomes can strengthen fundraising and donor relationships. Building a culture of philanthropy: How nonprofit leaders can involve staff, board members, and volunteers in understanding fundraising, organizational finances, and the importance of communicating impact. Ethical storytelling and client privacy: How to celebrate success stories while protecting the dignity of those served, obtaining permission, establishing boundaries, and setting expiration dates for sharing personal stories. Using social media and video effectively: Practical considerations for capturing authentic stories, identifying appropriate moments to share, and creating content that connects supporters to your nonprofit’s mission. AI and technology in nonprofit communications: How nonprofit organizations can use artificial intelligence to save time, support grant writing, and improve efficiency without sacrificing authenticity, accuracy, or human connection. Nonprofit mergers and strategic partnerships: Why financial pressures are encouraging nonprofit collaboration and how organizational culture, humility, and shared mission influence successful mergers. Leadership in uncertain times: The importance of courage, vision, emotional intelligence, and adaptability as nonprofit leaders navigate funding challenges, organizational change, and evolving technology. Mentioned in This Episode: Matt Kamin and Envision Consulting – Learn more about Matt’s work supporting nonprofit organizations through executive recruitment, strategic planning, mergers, and board development. Nonprofit on the Rocks – Explore Matt Kamin’s podcast featuring candid conversations with nonprofit executives, fundraisers, and social impact leaders about nonprofit management, leadership, and the challenges of running mission-driven organizations. Nonprofit Leadership Podcast – Explore additional interviews, leadership insights, and resources for nonprofit executives and social impact leaders. This Episode is Sponsored By: Donorbox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes , Spotify , or Amazon . Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

October 25, 202638 min

What This Nonprofit Leader-Turned-Podcast Host Has Learned About Leadership

What does it take to become a better nonprofit leader, and what can we learn from our biggest leadership mistakes? In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter sits down with Dolph Goldenburg, nonprofit consultant, former executive director, and host of the Successful Nonprofits Podcast . Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, leadership, and organizational management, Dolph shares powerful lessons from both sides of the microphone. He opens up about his personal journey from becoming what he describes as a toxic leader to helping nonprofit organizations thrive without sacrificing their people or their values. Rob and Dolph explore the importance of building healthy nonprofit cultures, developing stronger teams, navigating fundraising challenges, and rebuilding trust with donors. Dolph shares the remarkable story of how he restored a damaged donor relationship that eventually resulted in a nearly $400,000 gift. They also discuss why nonprofits need to think bigger, advocate for fair compensation, set bold organizational goals, and make difficult decisions to prevent leadership burnout. This conversation offers practical nonprofit leadership strategies for executive directors, development professionals, and anyone seeking to create lasting social impact while building healthier, more sustainable organizations. Key Topics Include: Learning from leadership mistakes: How Dolph’s experience as a nonprofit executive director taught him the dangers of toxic leadership and the importance of personal growth, self-awareness, and organizational culture. Building stronger nonprofit teams: Why thoughtful recruitment, onboarding, employee development, and a people-first leadership approach are essential for long-term organizational success. Rethinking nonprofit fundraising: How nonprofit leaders can confidently approach donors and foundations, negotiate realistic grant expectations, and recognize when funding opportunities are not worth pursuing. Rebuilding donor trust: The power of patience, authentic relationships, and donor-centered fundraising, including Dolph’s remarkable story of securing a nearly $400,000 donation after repairing a broken relationship. Setting bold goals for greater social impact: Why nonprofits should challenge conventional assumptions, pursue ambitious goals, and invest in competitive salaries, employee benefits, and operational efficiency. Preventing nonprofit leadership burnout: How prioritization, intentional decision-making, and accepting that not everything can get done can help nonprofit leaders manage compassion fatigue and protect their well-being. Creating a more sustainable nonprofit sector: What Dolph has learned from interviewing other leaders and why the future of nonprofit leadership must emphasize equity, fair compensation, organizational effectiveness, and helping both employees and communities thrive. Mentioned in This Episode: Dolph Goldenburg – Successful Nonprofits – Learn more about Dolph’s nonprofit consulting work, leadership expertise, and resources for nonprofit organizations. Successful Nonprofits Podcast – Explore Dolph’s podcast featuring conversations with nonprofit leaders and experts on fundraising, management, and organizational success. This Episode is Sponsored By: Donorbox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes , Spotify , or Amazon . Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

October 18, 202631 min

What Real Support for Parental Leave Looks Like

Beth Wanner Offering parental leave is one thing, but creating a workplace where employees can confidently take that leave without worrying about their careers, their coworkers, or the organization’s mission is another. For nonprofit leaders managing tight budgets and lean teams, supporting parental leave can feel complicated and costly. Yet without a thoughtful plan, organizations risk employee burnout, decreased productivity, and losing valuable staff. So how can nonprofits build parental leave policies and practices that truly support employees while maintaining organizational effectiveness? In this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Beth Wanner, Founder and CEO of Mother Cover, an agency that provides interim and fractional staffing solutions for organizations navigating parental and caregiver leave. Drawing from her personal experience with pregnancy discrimination and her years as a marketing executive, Beth shares why traditional parental leave policies often fall short and what nonprofit leaders can do differently. Together, they explore practical strategies for planning employee absences, maintaining organizational continuity, preventing burnout, and creating a smoother return-to-work experience. Beth also explains how nonprofits can provide meaningful parental leave support without breaking their budgets, ultimately strengthening employee retention, workplace culture, and long-term mission impact. Key Topics Include: Why parental leave policies aren’t enough: The difference between offering parental leave benefits and creating an organizational culture that genuinely supports employees before, during, and after their leave. Planning for employee absences: How nonprofit leaders can develop effective parental leave coverage plans, document responsibilities, establish decision-making authority, and ensure critical work continues. Preventing employee burnout and improving retention: Why distributing an absent employee’s workload across an already stretched team can lead to burnout, resentment, and costly staff turnover. Using fractional leadership and interim staffing: How nonprofits can leverage experienced fractional professionals to maintain operations, protect donor relationships, and support organizational leadership during parental leave. The financial ROI of supporting parental leave: Understanding the hidden costs of inadequate leave coverage, including disrupted programs, lost productivity, damaged donor relationships, and employee turnover. Creating a successful return-to-work transition: Why re-onboarding, documented updates, gradual workload transitions, and regular check-ins are essential for supporting employees returning from parental leave. Practical parental leave solutions for nonprofits on tight budgets: How leaders can create a simple, one-page coverage plan, prioritize essential responsibilities, identify internal growth opportunities, and provide meaningful support without requiring full-time replacement staffing. Mentioned in This Episode: Mother Cover – Founded by Beth Wanner, Mother Cover helps nonprofits and other organizations maintain operational continuity through interim and fractional staffing solutions during parental and caregiver leave. Nonprofit Leadership Podcast – Explore additional episodes, nonprofit leadership resources, and interviews with experts helping nonprofit organizations strengthen their leadership and impact. This Episode is Sponsored By: Donorbox – An online fundraising platform that helps nonprofits streamline fundraising, maximize donations, and simplify giving with customizable donation forms, digital wallet payments, donation tracking, and automated receipts. 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!

October 11, 202641 min

How a Small Group of College Students Launched a National Movement

This is repost of a previously published episode. In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Aidan Reilly, co-founder of The Farmlink Project , a nonprofit that began as a college passion project and grew into a national food recovery movement. What started in 2020 as two friends trying to make a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic quickly evolved into a logistics powerhouse that has since delivered over 350 million pounds of food—soon to be half a billion. Aidan shares the compelling origin story of Farmlink and how a group of students bridged the gap between farms with surplus food and food banks in desperate need. With impressive agility, grassroots organizing, and a deep sense of purpose, Farmlink has scaled nationwide and is now exploring international efforts. Aidan also discusses how Farmlink is addressing food waste, hunger, and climate change simultaneously—and how their innovative model may one day make their own work unnecessary. Key Topics Include: The founding of Farmlink during the pandemic by college students looking to make an impact How Farmlink grew from a local food rescue effort to a national nonprofit operating in 27+ states The logistics of moving nearly half a billion pounds of food and partnering with over 1,200 food banks and 400 farms The systemic causes of food waste in the U.S. and how Farmlink is creating long-term infrastructure solutions How Farmlink measures and communicates its climate and hunger relief impact to donors The role of AI, predictive analytics, and capacity mapping in scaling nonprofit operations Why public-private partnerships and policy advocacy are essential to solving food insecurity at scale Mentioned in This Episode: The Farmlink Project Abundance: The Farmlink Documentary (YouTube) This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and 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

October 5, 202627 min

“From Aristotle to Zuckerberg”, Learn How and When Philanthropy First Started and Where We Have Gone Wrong Today

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. *This episode previously aired #Remix #FromTheArchives This podcast is sponsored by @ Donorbox Learn more about Paul’s book here : Paul Vallely: Website | Twitter | 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/

September 27, 202623 min

How Can You Future-Proof Your Fundraising?

This is repost of a previously published episode. 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) #FromTheArchives Links to Resources: Classy: Website Read the report here . Collaborative Virtual Sessions Conference 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/

September 20, 202644 min

How Airbnb Is Doing Something Very Different with Their Social Impact

Christoph Gorder This is repost of a previously published episode. In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter sits down with Christoph Gorder, leader of Airbnb.org, to explore how Airbnb has built a social impact model that looks very different from a traditional corporate foundation. As an independent 501(c)(3), Airbnb.org operates separately from Airbnb while still leveraging the company’s technology, host network, and infrastructure to provide emergency housing for people displaced by disasters and other crises. Christoph shares how Airbnb.org is rethinking disaster response by using millions of available homes around the world to provide fast, flexible, dignified shelter for families in need. He also talks about leadership, scaling nonprofit impact, the role of AI and technology in modern nonprofit operations, and why strategic partnerships are essential for responding effectively in moments of crisis. This conversation is packed with insights for nonprofit leaders who want to innovate, collaborate, and maximize their mission impact. Key Topics Include: How Airbnb.org is structured as an independent 501(c)(3) with its own board and mission Why Airbnb.org’s model is different from a traditional corporate social responsibility or philanthropic arm How the organization scaled from responding to 8 disasters in 2023 to 78 disasters two years later What nonprofit leaders can learn about focus, standardization, and scaling wisely How Airbnb.org used local partnerships like 211LA and Catholic Charities to respond quickly during the Los Angeles wildfires Why giving displaced families choice and control is such an important part of effective disaster housing How AI, technology, and collaboration can help nonprofits become more efficient and responsive Mentioned in This Episode: Airbnb.org This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and 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!

September 13, 202642 min

Are You Dreaming Big Enough for Your Organization?

This is repost of a previously published episode. In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Dan Pallotta—renowned author, TED Talk speaker, and social impact provocateur—to discuss what it really takes to solve the world’s biggest problems. Known for challenging the status quo in the nonprofit sector, Dan pushes listeners to think beyond conventional limitations, urging nonprofit leaders and donors alike to reimagine what’s possible when we truly embrace bold, audacious goals. Dan unpacks his groundbreaking fundraising innovations, including the AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Day Walks, and dives into key themes from his recent documentary Uncharitable . He emphasizes that nonprofits need to stop playing it safe and start empowering people to explore their own heroism—whether it’s through higher-risk initiatives or rethinking how we define overhead and impact. This episode will inspire you to challenge outdated assumptions and push your organization to dream—and do—bigger. Key Topics Include: The origin and impact of Dan’s fundraising innovations, including the AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Day events Why nonprofits must reframe how they view overhead, salaries, and investments The danger of playing it safe: how fear of failure stifles nonprofit innovation Exploring the concept of fundraising as a path to individual heroism Why bold, time-bound goals are essential for real social impact The importance of capital investment and risk-taking in the nonprofit sector Insights from the Uncharitable documentary and how it’s shifting donor mindsets Mentioned in This Episode: Dan Pallotta’s Website: DanPallotta.com Watch Uncharitable : UncharitableMovie.com The Audacious Project: audaciousproject.org No Kid Hungry: nokidhungry.org Social Current: social-current.org This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and Share Listen and subscribe to the N

September 6, 202628 min

How to create a healthy culture that leads to greater impact

A healthy nonprofit culture is not a “soft” issue—it directly affects employee retention, trust, innovation, performance, and ultimately an organization’s ability to create lasting impact. In this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Marcia Beckner, founder and CEO of Culture CARES Global, to discuss how nonprofit leaders can intentionally build workplace cultures where employees feel valued, respected, engaged, and psychologically safe. Marcia shares her CARES framework—Commitment, Appreciation, Respect, Engagement, and Safety—and explains why psychological safety serves as the foundation for a thriving nonprofit team. Rob and Marcia also explore nonprofit leadership burnout, employee retention, trust and accountability, transparent communication during times of change, and the importance of narrowing strategic priorities so leaders and teams can pursue excellence without spreading themselves too thin. Key Topics Include: The five elements of the CARES framework: Commitment, Appreciation, Respect, Engagement, and Safety Why psychological safety is foundational to nonprofit culture, innovation, inclusion, and high performance How nonprofit leaders can improve employee retention by helping staff feel valued, respected, and appreciated Leading authentically and confidently without pretending to have all the answers How transparent communication helps organizations maintain trust during uncertainty and organizational change Preventing nonprofit leadership burnout through energy management, healthy boundaries, delegation, and sustainable pacing Why nonprofit leaders must strategically say “no,” prune unnecessary priorities, and focus resources on the few initiatives that can create the greatest mission impact Mentioned in This Episode: Culture CARES Global Connect with Marcia Beckner on LinkedIn Nonprofit CEO SPARK Podcast You Are Meant for Great Things by Marcia Beckner This Episode is Sponsored By: Donorbox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes , Spotify , or Amazon . Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

August 30, 202641 min

What would you do with not just one but two multi-million-dollar gifts?

What happens when a nonprofit receives not one, but two transformational, unrestricted gifts worth millions of dollars? In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Dr. Xanthe Scharff, President and CEO of the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC), and Havovi Waddia, Managing Director of Programs for The Freedom Fund. Both organizations have received two major gifts from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott—WRC receiving a total of $24 million and The Freedom Fund receiving a total of $95 million. Xanthe and Havovi discuss how these unexpected gifts have transformed their organizations’ ability to think strategically, invest in frontline organizations, strengthen internal systems, and make long-term commitments to the communities they serve. They also explore the power of trust-based philanthropy, why unrestricted funding can create significantly more impact than traditional restricted grants, and what MacKenzie Scott’s approach to giving could mean for the future of nonprofit fundraising and philanthropy. Dr. Xanthe Scharff Key Topics Include: How the Women’s Refugee Commission and The Freedom Fund received transformational gifts from MacKenzie Scott without applying or making a traditional funding request Why receiving a second major gift represents an extraordinary vote of confidence in an organization’s leadership, mission, transparency, and impact How unrestricted funding gives nonprofit leaders the flexibility and “head space” to make strategic, long-term decisions instead of simply reacting to immediate funding pressures How The Freedom Fund is using its funding to make long-term investments in frontline and survivor-led organizations working to end modern slavery How the Women’s Refugee Commission is adapting its funding model amid major cuts to government and international humanitarian aid Why trust-based philanthropy can strengthen nonprofit organizations, frontline partners, civil society, and ultimately democracy and human rights What MacKenzie Scott’s giving philosophy may signal about the future of philanthropy—and why private philanthropy cannot replace the responsibility of governments Mentioned in This Episode: Women’s Refugee Commission The Freedom Fund Yield Giving This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox Links to Resources: Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com Subscribe and Share Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes , Spotify , or Amazon . Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!