Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Monika 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 Mentioned in This Episode: Mother Jones This Episode is Sponsored By: 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

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 Mentioned in This Episode: HealthSearch Partners Connect with Kurt Mosley and Neill Marshall on LinkedIn This Episode is Sponsored By: 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Jill 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 Mentioned in This Episode: Jill Vorndran on LinkedIn Learn more about Covenant House: covenanthouse.org This Episode is Sponsored By: 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Betsy Cooper In this episode, host Rob Harter talks with Betsy Cooper of the Aspen Policy Academy / Aspen Institute about how nonprofit and social impact leaders can channel their passion for social change into tangible policy influence. They explore the balance between advocacy and legal constraints for nonprofits, the six‑step process for developing policy influence, and real examples of how ideas become implemented policy. They also dive into the skills, tools, and strategies needed to make lasting change, including how AI is beginning to intersect with civic engagement and government. Betsy shares frameworks that help translate mission-driven ideas into practical policy proposals, stakeholder strategies, communication approaches, and implementation plans. The conversation is rich with concrete advice for practitioners who want to move beyond service to shape the rules that influence systems. Key Topics Include: The six‑step policy impact process: defining, researching, solution design, stakeholder mapping, advocacy, execution Guardrails and legal constraints for nonprofit advocacy, and how to engage responsibly The role of tools like policy memos, briefs, redlined texts, and operational plans in influencing decision‑makers Core skills for change makers: strategy, communication, stakeholder mapping Integrating policy engagement into social innovation and how it often becomes the missing lever Examples of successful transitions from idea to policy (e.g. Aspen fellows influencing Utah’s data center water usage rules) Emerging intersections of AI with government, public policy, and nonprofit advocacy Mentioned in This Episode: Aspen Policy Academy Boulder Advocacy Rising Civic AI Leaders Aspen Tech Policy Hub This Episode is Sponsored By: 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Edgar Sandoval Sr., President and CEO of World Vision US, during a visit to Rwanda. In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Edgar Sandoval, President and CEO of World Vision, one of the largest international humanitarian organizations in the world. With 75 years of impact across 60 countries, World Vision is now launching its most ambitious initiative yet—an effort to empower 300 million people by 2030 through access to clean water, education, livelihoods, and Christian discipleship. Amid increasing global needs and significant U.S. funding cuts, Edgar discusses how World Vision is navigating the changing humanitarian landscape, maintaining staff motivation, and reshaping the narrative around international aid. He shares proven strategies and personal leadership lessons that are both practical and deeply inspiring for nonprofit leaders striving to create lasting change. Key Topics Include: How World Vision is addressing the growing global funding gap while expanding its impact The “lie of futility” and how World Vision uses data and storytelling to restore hope and trust Details on World Vision’s new campaign to reach 300 million people by 2030 How strategic partnerships, including with governments and local communities, drive scalability Practical leadership advice for managing teams during crises, including the “Believe, Belong, Become” mantra Why clarity of mission is the key to effective pivoting and preventing mission drift The role of grace, communication, and storytelling in leading through uncertainty Mentioned in This Episode: World Vision: This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox: Click here for more information 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Sam Fankuchen In this compelling episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter sits down with Sam Fankuchen, the CEO and founder of Golden, a volunteer and donor engagement platform revolutionizing the way nonprofits operate. Sam shares how a deeply personal brush with tragedy on 9/11 catalyzed his mission to make volunteering more accessible and meaningful for everyone. Drawing on his extensive experience and graduate research, Sam explains how Golden helps nonprofits turn one-time volunteers into lifelong donors through cutting-edge technology, automation, and ethical AI practices. This episode dives deep into the intersection of civic tech, volunteerism, and AI—raising the timely question: Can technology actually deepen empathy and human connection in the nonprofit space? Sam offers powerful insights into how technology can be used not to replace people, but to augment the good work nonprofits are already doing—especially in high-stakes situations like disaster relief. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, development officer, or someone curious about the future of social impact, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Key Topics Include: Sam Fankuchen’s moving personal story that led to the founding of Golden How Golden uses AI and analytics to convert volunteers into donors The importance of storytelling and human-centered design in volunteer programs Why disaster relief offers valuable lessons for everyday nonprofit operations The ethical considerations and real-world applications of AI in the nonprofit sector The importance of cross-sector collaboration between nonprofits, government, and private sector How nonprofits can adopt tech tools to reduce administrative burden and boost impact Mentioned in This Episode: Golden: https://www.goldenvolunteer.com Golden donates $500M in Volunteer Management Software: Read here This Episode is Sponsored By: 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Jill Koski In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter is joined by Jill Koski, President and CEO of the Morton Arboretum, a leading environmental nonprofit located just outside of Chicago. Jill shares her deeply personal and inspiring leadership journey, from her early beginnings in arts and culture to ultimately leading one of the nation’s most respected arboreta. She talks about the pivotal experiences, tough decisions, and key leadership lessons that shaped her path—including leaving her hometown to take on her first CEO role and then returning home to lead the Morton Arboretum during its centennial. Jill also reflects on what it means to lead with passion and purpose, the importance of building sustainable systems, and why the ability to say “no” may be one of the most vital leadership skills for nonprofit executives today. Her insights are both practical and inspiring for any leader working in the nonprofit or social impact space. Key Topics Include: Jill Koski’s unique journey from the arts to environmental nonprofit leadership Lessons learned from setbacks and “not being picked” for opportunities How systems, structure, and white space support long-term leadership growth The value of saying “no” and creating opportunities for team growth Balancing leadership strengths while managing areas outside your expertise The long-term commitment required for meaningful community engagement Leading an organization into its next century of impact Mentioned in This Episode: Visit the Morton Arboretum: MortonArb.org Connect with Jill Koski on LinkedIn This Episode is Sponsored By: 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Brian Crimmins 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.  Mentioned:  Connect with Brian on LinkedIn GenerosityCrisis.com This Four-Week Series is Sponsored By: Find out more about all of the resources Zeffy can offer your nonprofit here. Zeffy – The 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits. 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 For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/  Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page 

In this episode, Rob Harter is joined by nonprofit experts Mandy Pearce and Marie Palacios from Funding for Good to explore how strategic planning and fundraising go hand in hand. They explain why your strategic plan isn’t just a leadership document—it’s the foundation for all successful fundraising efforts. As nonprofits enter the critical fourth quarter, Mandy and Marie share actionable strategies to align your board, budget, and development goals to maximize year-end giving. Key Topics Include: Why a consensus-driven strategic plan is the single most important resource in the nonprofit fundraising toolkit. How aligning strategic planning, budgeting, and fundraising plans creates coherence and reduces resistance internally. Identifying and prioritizing organizational needs, and using timelines and segmented donor strategies to drive effective fundraising. The critical role of relationships over flashy tools—handwritten notes, donor cultivation, and personal connections matter most. Planning ahead: why fundraising preparation should begin as early as August to set up for a successful year-end season. The board’s role in strategic planning—from setting vision and mission to scans and implementation oversight. How strategic planning informs leadership development, board composition, onboarding, and succession. Instilling accountability through clear task assignment, color-coded 90-day implementation plans, and regular check-ins. Encouraging board engagement in fundraising: starting with 100% board giving, setting clear expectations (“get or give”), and offering varied, comfortable ways for board members to contribute. This Four-Week Series is Sponsored By: –Zeffy The 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits. -Find out more about all of the resources Zeffy can offer your nonprofit here. 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 ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

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. Mentioned in This Episode: Best Friends Animal Society website: bestfriends.org The concept of “no‑kill” movement and organizational transformation High‑touch donor practices (handwritten letters, phone calls) Best Friends’ in‑house magazine—exclusive storytelling resource shared with supporters Importance of positivity in branding versus traditional guilt‑based messaging Active use of storytelling frameworks like the hero’s journey Donor segmentation—print magazine for longtime supporters, digital for broader audiences Volunteer correspondence team for personalized responses Social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram) for community engagement This Four-Week Series is Sponsored By: Zeffy – The 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits. Find out more about all of the resources Zeffy can offer your nonprofit here. 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!