167. Keeping Civic Engagement Alive Despite Funding Cuts with Sam Fankuchen

Jun 19, 2025

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In this episode of Volunteer Nation, Tobi Johnson is joined by Sam Fankuchen, founder and CEO of Golden, about how nonprofit organizations can stay resilient and keep civic engagement alive amid uncertainty, disasters, and radical funding cuts.

They discuss current stresses in the nonprofit sector, particularly around funding uncertainties, and share practical tips for organizations to pivot and adapt their missions to serve community needs effectively. Sam introduces Golden's $500 million in-kind donation of software to support volunteer management and highlights the importance of using technology to streamline operations, engage volunteers, and meet today's evolving demands.

Full show notes: 167. Keeping Civic Engagement Alive Despite Funding Cuts with Sam Fankuchen

Civic Engagement - Episode Highlights

[06:18] – Sam’s powerful 9/11 story and what catalyzed his civic journey
[13:00] – Early barriers to volunteering as a teen
[16:55] – Discovery of social entrepreneurship at Stanford
[20:28] – What volunteering really is, beyond traditional definitions
[24:22] – Global volunteerism, SDGs, and why civic action still matters
[33:45] – Strategy pivot: How to pursue your mission in uncertain times
[43:15] – Golden’s $500M in-kind software donation
[47:10] – A 3-step framework for mission pivots
[51:38] – The ripple effect of funding changes on the entire ecosystem
[56:20] – How to better align your volunteer model with community need
[1:03:25] – What makes a great volunteer experience (and what Gen Z expects)
[1:09:15] – Three tips for tech-resistant organisations

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Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause.

For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.