Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Nikki Clifton Human trafficking today has become one of the most overlooked humanitarian crises of our time. It is a shockingly widespread problem, with an estimated 27.6 million victims worldwide. And on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, it’s time to bring this hidden issue out of the shadows. Rob sits down with Nikki Clifton, the head of the UPS Foundation, to discuss the organization’s efforts to combat this devastating humanitarian crisis. While there are a lot of organizations that focus on prevention and rescue, the UPS Foundation is tackling a critical but often overlooked aspect of human trafficking — the aftercare and support for survivors. Through partnerships with organizations like Wellspring Living, the foundation is providing housing, counseling, and job training to help victims get back on their feet.  They discuss the issue of human trafficking, how the UPS Foundation focuses on long-term support for survivors, what led the UPS Foundation to make combating human trafficking a primary emphasis, and how nonprofits can collaborate best with law enforcement and government agencies to address human trafficking issues more effectively. Nikki also provides advice for how other nonprofits can raise awareness about human trafficking even if it’s not their primary mission and shares the foundation’s unique approach as both a funder and a provider of volunteers to support the work of other nonprofits addressing human trafficking. Mentioned: UPS Website UPS – Delivering Hope – The Balancing Act Polaris Project Website This Podcast is sponsored by:  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

AI has been a topic of conversation for many of us in the nonprofit sector. Is the reliance on AI a good thing or a bad thing? Will the implementation of AI completely eliminate jobs? Like most things in life, it’s nuanced.  Today’s guest, Bertina Ceccarelli, explains how AI is affecting jobs in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, and ways we can utilize this smart technology wisely.  Rob’s guest, Bertina Ceccarelli, is the CEO of NPower. Npower is a national nonprofit that seeks to empower underrepresented talent to pursue careers in technology. The organization offers training programs and certifications and also provides social service support to its students during the program.  Bertina shares trends she is seeing across all sectors, regarding the impact of AI on jobs. She explains that while AI is completely replacing some employees in certain roles, other opportunities are opening up for workers who are skilled at using AI. This is a reminder for those concerned about this shift, to recognize that disruption often brings new, positive opportunities. Bertina believes artificial intelligence tools can help nonprofit leaders do more and be better. To illustrate her point, she shares an example of how NPower uses AI to train the staff to be trauma-informed. While there are many benefits to using this technology, Bertina reminds us to approach it with careful oversight. Speaking of oversight, she stresses the importance of knowing what data is being used to train these AI models. She warns nonprofit leaders to be vigilant to prevent using a biased model. Finally, Bertina describes the one thing AI cannot do for your nonprofit, that you must be intentional about developing as a leader.  Mentioned: Connect with Bertina on LinkedIn NPower website  This Episode is sponsored by: 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 Summary In this episode, Rob interviews Bertina Ceccarelli, CEO of NPower, about the impact of AI on nonprofits. They discuss how AI is affecting staffing in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, with lower-wage jobs being automated and higher-skilled jobs being disrupted. They also explore how nonprofits can proactively mitigate the negative impact of AI by leveraging it to free up staff time for more meaningful work. They emphasize the importance of human connection and trust in the nonprofit sector and discuss the potential for AI to enhance trauma-informed service. Overall, they highlight the need for collaboration between tech companies, tech training organizations, and nonprofits to ensure an inclusive and ethical AI workforce. AI, nonprofits, staffing, automation, higher-skilled jobs, efficiency, human connection, trust, trauma-informed service Takeaways AI is impacting staffing in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, with lower-wage jobs being automated and higher-skilled jobs being disrupted. Nonprofits can proactively mitigate the negative impact of AI by leveraging it to free up staff time for more meaningful work. Human connection and trust are essential in the nonprofit sector and cannot be replaced by AI. AI has the potential to enhance trauma-informed service by providing training scenarios for staff to practice recognizing and responding to trauma. Collaboration between tech companies, tech training organizations, and nonprofits is crucial to ensure an inclusive and ethical AI workforce. Titles The Impact of AI on Nonprofit Staffing Enhancing Trauma-Informed Service with AI Sound Bites “Lower-wage jobs are getting diminished or eliminated, while higher-skilled jobs are getting disrupted by AI.” “AI can free up staff to spend more time with clients and provide better social support services.” “Apprenticeships and paid internships for AI-related jobs can help open doors for overlooked talent.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:12 The Impact of AI on Nonprofits 05:12 Proactively Mitigating the Negative Impact of AI 07:22 Empowering People vs. Empowering Tech 10:20 Enhancing Nonprofits with AI 14:42 Replacing People with AI 19:41 Ensuring an Inclusive and Ethical AI Workforce 22:47 The Role of Human Connection and Trust 25:30 AI and Trauma-Informed Service 28:33 Conclusion and Call to Action

Tiara Green As leaders of nonprofits, receiving donations or grants from corporations is essential to our ability to provide services that make an impact. It’s important we are effective in our approach to obtaining financial gifts from these large organizations. Today’s guest, Tiara Green, shares some best practices regarding corporate philanthropy.  Rob’s guest, Tiara Green, is the President of the national nonprofit, Accessia Health. They are committed to providing financial assistance and support to patients with rare and chronic medical conditions. Accessia Health provides case management, education, and financial support for health insurance premiums, medication, copayments, travel, and other medical expenses. Tiara shares the two biggest lessons she has learned when navigating corporate philanthropy. She recognizes the power of having both data and alignment, to show corporations how they will benefit from supporting the nonprofit’s mission. Tiara explains why it’s vital for nonprofit leaders to truly understand the goals of the corporations they are seeking funding from. She describes the many different ways a nonprofit leader can obtain the information needed, to decide if the missions align or not. Tiara explains the mission of Accessia Health and how the organization is focused on health equity and financial affordability for the people it serves. Tiara describes two of the most important methods her organization implements to expand their effectiveness. One of these methods is to develop strategic partnerships. She describes the best way to start doing this. She also advises nonprofit leaders to avoid a very ineffective method that wastes valuable time and hurts morale. Finally, Tiara shares an important leadership lesson that has made the biggest impact on her career and personal life.  Summary: Tiara Green discusses best practices and important lessons in corporate philanthropy. She emphasizes the importance of data in demonstrating impact and aligning with the goals of corporate partners. Tiara also highlights the barriers to health equity and financial affordability in the healthcare industry and the role of nonprofits in addressing these issues. She shares the fundraising methods that have been effective for Accessia Health, including storytelling and forming strategic partnerships. Tiara emphasizes the importance of clear communication, trust, and transparency in leadership. She invites listeners to connect with Accessia Health through their website and social media. Takeaways Data is critical in demonstrating impact and securing corporate grants. Aligning with the goals of corporate partners is key in building long-term partnerships. Barriers to health equity and financial affordability in healthcare include systemic issues and social determinants of health. Nonprofits can address these barriers through community partnerships and strategic collaborations. Effective fundraising methods include storytelling, highlighting key differentiators, and forming strategic partnerships. Clear communication, trust, and transparency are essential in leadership. Accessia Health can be contacted through their website and social media. Effective Fundraising Methods for Nonprofits Best Practices and Lessons in Corporate Philanthropy Quotes “Data tells a story.” “Alignment with goals and objectives is key.” “Humanizing everything we’re doing makes a difference.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Corporate Philanthropy 02:59 Effective Fundraising Methods for Nonprofits 07:58 Barriers to Health Equity and Financial Affordability in Healthcare 14:26 Assisting Individuals with Rare and Chronic Conditions 20:56 Strategies for Fundraising Success 24:14 Leadership Lessons: Clear Communication and Trust 26:21 Connecting with Accessia Health Mentioned: Connect with Tiara on LinkedIn Accessia Health  Dare to Lead book This Episode is sponsored by: Quorum:  https://www.quorum.us/  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

Jacob Harold, author of The Toolbox: Strategies for Crafting Social Impact and Co-founder of Candid Nonprofits are driven by the desire to create social change in their communities and in the world overall. Today’s guest, Jacob Harold, explains why creating a map of your intentions, developing storytelling, and using mathematical modeling are all great tools to bring about social change.  Jacob is the author of The Toolbox: Strategies for Crafting Social Impact and Co-founder of Candid. In 2019, Candid was formed from a merger of the two organizations known as GuideStar and Foundation Center. Candid is a nonprofit that provides comprehensive data and insights about the social sector. Jacob believes that while it is not possible to predict the future, it can be helpful for nonprofits to map out a clear hypothesis of how they intend to bring about social impact. He also believes that by stating clearly your intentions for social impact, you are creating opportunities for both accountability and learning. Jacob explains how using mathematical models and measurement can offer benefits to nonprofit organizations, and why it does not have to be complicated to use. He also explains how using the tool of storytelling can help you to figure out who your nonprofit is focusing on, what challenges you are confronting, and how to get to that better place in the end. When speaking of different tools nonprofits can use, Jacob highlights the importance of influencing behaviors in a morally respectful way, in order not to be manipulative. Finally, Jacob describes why Guidestar and Foundation Center merged to form Candid, and his hope for working side by side with other similar organizations.  #FromTheArchives Mentioned: Jacob’s website Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn Candid website The Toolbox book  This Episode is sponsored by: Donorbox Quorum Links to Resources: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/

Lynn Margherio, founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons As nonprofit leaders, we often find we are filling a gap in society by resolving specific needs the government or the private sector is not addressing. Rob’s guest, Lynn Margherio, explains how her twenty year organization has been filling a large gap that affects approximately 1 in 5 children across the United States. Lynn is the founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons. Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play—for free. Cradles to Crayons collects and distributes new and high-quality used children’s goods by engaging and connecting communities.  Lynn shares why she originally started Cradles to Crayons twenty years ago. She defines what “clothing insecurity” is and why it is such a big problem across the country. Importantly, Lynn explains how her organization has been able to avoid mission drift and that their collaborative approach to their mission is what keeps them moving in the right direction. She shares some light bulb moments of realization she had, that has helped the organization grow into what it is today. Lynn explains what her organization does in order to maintain growth and retention when it comes to staff and volunteers. Finally, Lynn shares some of the biggest challenges she is facing as nonprofit leader and their goals to end clothing insecurity on a larger scale, as they move forward. #FromTheArchives Mentioned: Connect with Lynn on LinkedIn Cradles to Crayons website Follow Cradles to Crayons on Instagram This Episode is sponsored by: Donorbox Quorum Links to Resources: 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/

To understand the people you are leading, you must first understand yourself. Truly becoming curious about who you are and being honest with yourself, will help you embody important traits needed to be a great leader. Today’s guest, Brenda Jimenez, describes the three traits she believes are most important for a nonprofit leader to have. Rob’s guest, Brenda Jimenez, is the CEO of Mentor New York. The mission of Mentor New York is to increase the quality of mentoring relationships and close the “mentoring gap” in New York State. Brenda explains how Mentor New York closes the “mentoring gap” by collaborating with community organizations, to develop mentoring programs so young people’s lives can be positively impacted. Speaking of mentoring, Brenda shares about the mentors she has had along her journey who have made a difference in her career path. She believes that nonprofit leaders must be empathetic, good listeners, and stewards of vision. Regarding challenges for nonprofit leaders, Brenda encourages leaders to develop a muscle of responsiveness and immediacy to an ever-changing marketplace. She explains that the market is no longer as predictable as it was in the past, so leaders must shift how they think and act. Brenda also believes that a good leader can identify their team members’ talents and give them room to grow. Finally, she shares that seeing the brilliance of the young people today is giving her hope for the future. Mentioned: Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn Mentor New York website  This Episode is sponsored by: 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

How can AI help your nonprofit? Today’s guests are going to continue a conversation I had a few months back with Justin Spelhaug of Microsoft. The topic is AI, and more specifically the good use of AI to benefit your nonprofit. So how can AI be used for good to help you and your organization? Rob’s guests are going to talk about just a few of the ways they are seeking to do just that. On the show are Anne Nies and Sam Caplan from Submittable, which is a software company that is helping thousands of organizations worldwide launch, manage and measure social impact programs. Sam is the Vice President of Social Impact at Submittable and Anne is the Director of Machine Learning/AI/Data Science at Submittable. Submittable is a software company that helps nonprofit organizations launch, manage, and measure their social impact programs. They offer a grants management system and CSR and employee engagement software. Submittable is a proponent of responsible AI technology for grant management and helps organizations adopt AI intentionally. They prioritize privacy by not letting data go into models for training and building on platforms with strong privacy and security measures. They also give users the option to opt out of using AI. Submittable balances high tech with high touch by conducting extensive user research and incorporating feedback from customers and applicants. They aim to ensure that people remain at the center of the grant-making process. The biggest benefit of implementing AI tools for nonprofits is improved efficiency and the ability to focus on more impactful work. Submittable offers examples of AI being used for good, such as Goodwill Industries using AI to generate descriptions and prices for clothing items, saving time and generating revenue. They also highlight the use of AI for translation, allowing nonprofits to reach a broader audience. Submittable mitigates potential bias by involving experts in the development process, incorporating feedback mechanisms, and continuously working to address biases. They are excited about AI’s potential to eliminate administrative work and free up time for more meaningful tasks. They also see AI as a tool to aggregate and analyze data to better understand the impact of nonprofit organizations collectively. To learn more about Submittable, visit their website or connect with the team on LinkedIn. Takeaways: -Submittable helps nonprofit organizations launch, manage, and measure their social impact programs through their grants management and CSR software. -Anne and Sam talk about how Submittable prioritizes privacy by not using data for training models and building on platforms with strong privacy measures. -Submittable seeks to strike a balance between being high tech and high touch by conducting user research and incorporating feedback from customers and applicants. -Sam and Anne talk about various AI tools that can improve efficiency and free up time for nonprofit leaders to invest in more impactful work. -Sam and Anne share how AI is currently being used for good include generating descriptions and prices for clothing items among other examples. -Submittable seeks to mitigate potential bias by involving experts, incorporating intentional feedback, and continuously addressing biases. Mentioned: Submittable’s website Connect with Sam Caplan on LinkedIn Connect with on Ann Nies LinkedIn This Episode is sponsored by: 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

Julia Devine According to the 2024 Social Impact Staff Retention Report, three out of every four nonprofit employees are looking for a new job. More than half of those people are unsure they will continue working in the nonprofit sector. Rob’s guest, Julia Devine, shares what nonprofit leaders can do to alleviate this retention issue. Julia is the Co-founder of Relatable Nonprofit. The team at Relatable Nonprofit is committed to empowering purpose-driven professionals to become nonprofit consultants and grow successful businesses. Julia shares her experience working for nonprofits and being promoted too quickly in a previous position. She states nonprofits often lack long-term staff retention plans and promote whoever is available, leading to burnout and misalignment. Speaking of misalignment and burnout, these are some of the main reasons nonprofit staff members will seek new employment. Julia believes it is vital for leaders to get very clear before hiring staff and to be very transparent with current staff to find out their needs. Looking at the 2024 report, the data indicates a high turnover rate for those working in marketing. Julia shares her thoughts on why that is the case. Julia also shares other trends she notices in the sector, that are holding nonprofits back from succeeding. She believes nonprofit leaders are afraid to change and take risks, leading to a lack of experimentation or innovation. Finally, Julia encourages professionals in the nonprofit sector to stop settling for the status quo and instead be unconventional in how they approach their careers. Mentioned: Social Impact Staff Retention 2024  Relatable Nonprofit Connect with Julia Devine on LinkedIn Connect with Catalina Parker on LinkedIn This Episode is sponsored by: 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

Tomi Hiers To affect significant change in the community, a nonprofit leader must be willing to collaborate and engage with the community they serve. Today’s guest, Tomi Hiers, believes we can make a meaningful impact in our communities through collective action and data-driven solutions. Rob’s guest, Tomi Hiers, is the Vice President of the Center for Civic Sites and Community Change at the Annie E Casey Foundation. The Annie E Casey Foundation is a private national philanthropy that creates better futures for the nation’s children by strengthening families, building economic opportunities, and transforming neighborhoods into safer and healthier places to live, work, and grow. Tomi explains the mission of the Annie E Casey Foundation, which aims to promote the well-being of young people and families and advance racial equity. She shares insights from the foundation’s “Changing the Odds” report, highlighting both the progress and the disparities facing families, especially in Atlanta. Tomi believes these issues must be addressed through collective impact and collaboration among nonprofit leaders, government, and the private sector. She encourages nonprofit leaders to understand their community landscape, collaborate with other organizations, and use data to measure and tell their impact stories. Finally, Tomi shares examples of successful initiatives in Atlanta to demonstrate the power of cross-sector collaboration and community-led solutions.  Mentioned: Connect with Tomi on LinkedIn The Annie E. Casey Foundation  2024 Changing the Odds Report  This Episode is sponsored by: 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

Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 and is one of the strongest nonprofit brands in the United States. Many nonprofit leaders can learn valuable lessons from this impactful organization that has changed lives all over the world. Rob’s guest, Jonathan Reckford, shares some of his insights on a variety of topics that affect nonprofit organizations.  Jonathan is the CEO of Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.  Jonathan explains how existing trends were made worse due to the COVID pandemic and why he thinks things will continue to remain complex for the nonprofit sector for years to come. He also shares the two biggest leadership lessons he was taught due to the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Jonathan believes that community service is the antidote to polarization in our world. He describes ways in which Habitat for Humanity is being more intentional in building bridges between people of different backgrounds. Jonathan also explains that unrestrictive giving is critical due to the impact nonprofits can have through these kinds of donations. Finally, he discusses the initiatives that Habitat for Humanity is focusing on, in order to alleviate the current housing crisis.  Mentioned:Habitat for Humanity Jonathan Reckford on LinkedIn Links to Resources: To be added to the monthly email update, go to http://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com This Episode is sponsored by: #FromTheArchives