

Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
Dr. Rob Harter
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 2, 2025 • 40min
How the Hilton Foundation Is Addressing Homelessness in LA
Rob Harter is joined by Peter Laugharn, President and CEO of the Hilton Foundation, to discuss how the foundation is tackling homelessness in Los Angeles. The Hilton Foundation has invested millions into addressing this crisis, working closely with government agencies, nonprofit partners, and individuals who have firsthand experience with homelessness.
Topics include:
-The history and mission of the Hilton Foundation
-Why LA is home to 20-25% of the nation’s unsheltered population
-How the foundation strategically allocates funding to maximize impact
-The importance of government collaboration in solving homelessness
-Lessons learned from other cities, including Houston and Salt Lake City
-The role of lived experience in shaping effective solutions
-How Measure A will provide sustainable funding for homelessness solutions
Peter also shares insights on how philanthropy can be a high-leverage tool for systemic change and what other cities can learn from LA’s approach.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Conrad N. Hilton Foundation – Supporting initiatives to alleviate human suffering
St. Joseph Center – Providing support and housing solutions for the homeless in LA
This Episode is Sponsored By:
DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
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!
Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!

Feb 24, 2025 • 31min
How This Food Bank is Helping to Reduce Food Insecurity
Eric Hodel
In this episode, Rob Harter is joined by Eric Hodel, CEO of Midwest Food Bank, to discuss how his organization is tackling food insecurity on both a national and international scale. Midwest Food Bank has grown to serve 23 states in the U.S., multiple countries, and provide disaster relief—all with a highly efficient distribution model and a dedicated volunteer base.
Topics include:
-The root causes of food insecurity and how nonprofits can address them
-How Midwest Food Bank is able to distribute over $500 million worth of food annually
-The role of technology and logistics in efficient food distribution
-Why collaboration among nonprofits is key to creating sustainable solutions
-How volunteers play a crucial role in making large-scale food distribution possible
Eric also shares insights on disaster relief efforts and how Midwest Food Bank has expanded its mission beyond the U.S. to impact communities in Haiti and East Africa.
Mentioned:
*Midwest Food Bank – Supporting food pantries and disaster relief efforts
*Tender Mercies Program – Nutritional meal packs distributed globally
This Episode is Sponsored By:
*DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
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!

Feb 16, 2025 • 44min
How to Enhance Your Nonprofit’s Marketing and Fundraising Efforts
Jesse Lane
In this episode, Rob Harter is joined by Jesse Lane, founder of goodmakerU and Branches Mission Lab, to discuss how nonprofits can elevate their marketing and fundraising efforts in an increasingly digital world. Jesse returns to the show to share insights on the power of email marketing, donor engagement strategies, and the role of AI in nonprofit marketing.
Topics include:
-Why email marketing is still one of the most effective fundraising tools
-Common mistakes nonprofits make with email and how to avoid them
-The ideal balance between fundraising appeals and value-driven content
-How AI can streamline marketing while keeping communications personal
-The power of donor segmentation and automation for better engagement
Jesse also provides practical steps for small nonprofits to build an email list from scratch and maximize the impact of their marketing efforts.
Mentioned:
*goodmakerU – Fundraising training programs for nonprofits
*Branches Mission Lab – A creative and marketing agency for nonprofit fundraising
This Episode is Sponsored By:
DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
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!

Feb 10, 2025 • 30min
How to Create the Culture You Need to Succeed
In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Dr. Michael Horowitz, Chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, about the crucial role of culture in nonprofit success. Dr. Horowitz emphasizes that culture isn’t just an abstract concept—it directly impacts leadership, fundraising, collaboration, and long-term impact.
Topics include:
– Why Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” is still relevant today
– How to intentionally foster a culture of collaboration within an organization and across the nonprofit sector
– Avoiding mission drift while navigating economic challenges and fundraising pressures
– Strategies for operationalizing a nonprofit’s values to ensure alignment with its mission
Dr. Horowitz also shares his approach to building a culture of radical cooperation and how nonprofit leaders can use this mindset to drive innovation, efficiency, and long-term success.
Mentioned:
The Community Solution Education System– A nonprofit integrated system of six colleges and universities
Dr. Michael Horowitz on LinkedIn – Follow here
This Episode is Sponsored By:
DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
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!
Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!

Feb 2, 2025 • 29min
How This Nonprofit in Spain is Seeking to Impact Their Country and Beyond
Javier Lezcano
In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Javier Lezcano, Executive Director of Xcalibur Foundation, a nonprofit based in Spain that is making a significant impact across multiple countries. As the first Spanish nonprofit featured on the podcast, Javier shares how Xcalibur Foundation is working to support vulnerable communities through education, sports, and community engagement.
Topics include:
*The foundation’s unique approach to social impact in Spain, Uganda, Colombia, and beyond
*How they use sports as a tool to keep children in school and create long-term opportunities
*Addressing challenges like menstrual hygiene barriers to keep girls in education
*Strategies for nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and creating sustainable partnerships
Javier also shares inspiring success stories, including a young athlete who earned an international scholarship, demonstrating the power of nonprofit initiatives in transforming lives.
Mentioned:
Xcalibur Foundation – Supporting education and community development globally
Naguru Social Sport Academy – After-school sports program in Uganda promoting education
Xcalibur Foundation on Social Media – Follow here
This Episode is Sponsored By:
DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
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!
Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast!

Jan 27, 2025 • 32min
How to balance compensation and meaning
In this episode, Rob speaks with Doug Paul, founder of Catapult, about the importance of personal growth for nonprofit leaders. Doug emphasizes the role of intentionality in leadership development and shares actionable insights on how leaders can design a personal growth plan that aligns with their unique wiring, calling, and story.
Topics include:
-Why leaders need a personal growth plan to navigate the fast-paced nonprofit landscape
-The role of innovation and adaptability in leadership development
-How nonprofits can foster a culture of continuous improvement
-Practical steps to create a leadership plan based on personal strengths and goals
Doug also shares stories of leaders who have successfully navigated pivotal moments in their careers by focusing on personal growth and strategic planning.
Mentioned:
Catapult – Helping leaders and organizations scale and thrive
Good Strategy, Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt – Recommended book for understanding strategy
Doug Paul on LinkedIn – Connect here
This Episode is Sponsored By:
DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
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!

Jan 20, 2025 • 35min
The Challenges of Accessing Funding for Scale
Mohamed Osman
In this episode, Rob is joined by Mohamed Osman and Ali Metcalf from Spring Impact, a nonprofit focused on helping organizations tackle global challenges at scale. Together, they discuss the findings from their new report, which explores how nonprofits can overcome the biggest obstacle to scaling their impact: accessing funding.
Topics include:
Why accessing funding for scale remains the number one challenge for nonprofits.
Lessons learned from organizations that successfully scaled their operations.
The importance of embedding solution delivery costs in government or partner systems.
Strategies for diversifying funding sources, including philanthropy, corporate partnerships, and end-user revenue.
Practical advice for funders and nonprofits looking to maximize their impact.
Mohamed and Ali share inspiring examples of nonprofits that have navigated these challenges to grow their reach and create lasting change in their communities.
Mentioned:
Spring Impact – Supporting organizations globally to scale their impact
Securing Nonprofit Report– Download the report mentioned in this episode.
Spring Impact Free Toolkit – Download tools to improve scaling strategies
Spring Impact LinkedIn – Follow here
This Episode is Sponsored By:
DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
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!

Jan 12, 2025 • 28min
How to Both Empower People and Encourage Self-Reliance
Stephane Aoki
In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Stephane Aoki, founder of Elevate Côte d’Ivoire, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underprivileged Ivorians by providing job opportunities and fostering self-reliance. Stephane shares his personal journey growing up in the Ivory Coast and how his experiences inspired the mission of Elevate.
Topics include:
-Why job creation is at the heart of Elevate Côte d’Ivoire’s mission
-The ripple effects of stable income on healthcare, education, and family well-being
-Balancing financial assistance with the goal of self-reliance
-The importance of understanding community needs and tackling the root causes of poverty
Stephane also highlights inspiring success stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through Elevate’s programs, and he discusses how collaboration and partnership play a critical role in their work.
Mentioned:
Elevate Côte d’Ivoire – Empowering Ivorians through jobs and opportunities
MIT OpenCourseWare – Development Economics – Recommended resource for understanding poverty solutions
Stephane Aoki on LinkedIn – Connect here
This Episode is Sponsored By:
DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
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!

Jan 6, 2025 • 32min
What Does It Take to Mobilize Gen Z into Changemakers?
George Tsiatis
In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with George Tsiatis, CEO and co-founder of the Resolution Project, about how to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers. George shares his experience working with Gen Z leaders and explains why this generation is uniquely positioned to tackle global challenges.
Topics include:
How to turn youth complacency into solution-driven action
Why collaboration between generations leads to better innovation
Strategies for nonprofits to recruit and engage Gen Z talent
The importance of purpose-driven work and how nonprofits can foster it
George also shares inspiring success stories from Resolution Project fellows who are making a significant impact in their communities worldwide.
Mentioned:
Resolution Project – Empowering young leaders to drive social change
Enactus – A global network of student entrepreneurs making a difference
George Tsiatis on LinkedIn – Connect here
This Episode is Sponsored By:
DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
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!

Dec 23, 2024 • 36min
How Nonprofit Collaboration Increases Impact
Africa Mission Healthcare
In this episode, Rob is joined by Scott Marcello, President of African Mission Healthcare, to discuss how nonprofit collaboration can amplify impact and create lasting change. Scott shares insights into the organization’s work addressing healthcare disparities across Africa, emphasizing the importance of partnerships, community engagement, and innovative strategies to improve access to quality care.
Topics include:
-The power of collaboration and community engagement in solving healthcare challenges
-How African Mission Healthcare supports mission hospitals to provide critical care and training
-Strategies to balance cost, quality, and access to healthcare
-The role of long-term investment and relationship building in creating sustainable change
Scott also shares real-world examples of the organization’s work, including its SAFE surgical initiative and programs to strengthen healthcare systems in underserved regions.
Mentioned:
African Mission Healthcare – Transforming healthcare systems in Africa
SAFE Program – Surgical Access for Everyone initiative providing life-changing surgeries
This Episode is Sponsored By:
DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with user-friendly donation forms and secure fundraising solutions.
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!