Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Mariya Yurukova In today’s episode, Rob Harter is joined by Mariya Yurukova, founder of Charity Search Group (CSG), to discuss the essential connection between recruitment and retention in the nonprofit sector. With years of experience helping organizations find and retain top talent, Mariya shares actionable strategies for building a strong workforce through effective recruitment practices. From incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into hiring to understanding the evolving recruitment landscape, Mariya provides valuable insights for nonprofits facing high turnover and recruitment challenges. Rob’s guest, Mariya Yurukova, discusses the importance of thorough onboarding, setting growth-oriented expectations, and maintaining equitable and supportive work environments to help retain talent. Mariya also emphasizes how nonprofits can strengthen board engagement and support leadership to create a culture that attracts and retains dedicated employees. Mariya’s insights offer a roadmap for nonprofits looking to improve both their recruitment processes and employee retention by aligning them with the organization’s long-term goals and values. Mentioned: Charity Search Group (CSG) – Helping nonprofits find top leadership talent LinkedIn – Follow Mariya Yurukova and CSG for insights on recruitment and retention Rob Harter’s Leadership and Life Coaching 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, Amazon, Google Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Addressing childhood poverty in the U.S. is an enormous challenge, and for nonprofits working to improve children’s lives, understanding the impact of poverty is essential. In this episode, Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician and advocate for early childhood development, joins Rob to discuss how nonprofits can support positive childhood experiences to mitigate the effects of poverty. Dr. Navsaria shares insights from his work with the Reach Out and Read initiative, a program focused on literacy and relational health for young children. He emphasizes the power of strong caregiver relationships and the importance of creating positive experiences that build resilience. Rob’s guest, Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, explains how childhood adversity and positive experiences affect long-term outcomes. Through his work with Reach Out and Read, Dr. Navsaria aims to increase awareness of childhood poverty and provide strategies to support early development. He highlights the significance of creating an “ecosystem of supports” to address not only immediate needs but also provide ongoing support for families facing poverty. Dr. Navsaria’s insights reveal critical strategies for nonprofits looking to support children and families in poverty, including fostering strong relational health, creating programs that promote early literacy, and advocating for systemic change. His approach offers a model for nonprofits aiming to create sustainable and impactful change. Mentioned: Reach Out and Read Reach Out and Read Podcast – A five-part series on childhood poverty American Academy of Pediatrics – Policy on childhood adversity Link to AAP policy statement Rob Harter’s Leadership and Life Coaching This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox – Helping nonprofits maximize their impact with powerful, user-friendly donation forms. Links to Resources: Want to work with a leadership and life coach? Check out 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

Measuring impact is crucial for nonprofits striving to create sustainable change. In this episode, Dana François, Program Officer for Family Economic Security at the Kellogg Foundation, joins Rob to discuss strategies for effectively measuring program impact. Dana shares insights from the Kellogg Foundation’s Pockets of Hope campaign in Haiti, a targeted initiative to strengthen food systems, education, and local economies. She emphasizes the importance of using locally driven metrics and engaging community members in the evaluation process to ensure that outcomes are meaningful and reflect community priorities. Rob’s guest, Dana François, explains how the Pockets of Hope campaign uses a holistic approach to track success, focusing on long-term metrics, such as job creation, family economic stability, and local food production. Dana also discusses how the Kellogg Foundation collaborates with Haitian-led organizations, leveraging local knowledge to design impactful interventions. She stresses that strong partnerships and a “trust-based” approach are key to making a lasting difference in vulnerable communities. Dana’s insights highlight essential strategies for nonprofits aiming to measure their impact, including setting clear goals, using participatory methods, and investing in long-term solutions. Her approach provides a valuable model for nonprofits looking to create both immediate relief and systemic change. Mentioned: Kellogg Foundation website Kellogg Foundation’s Pockets of Hope Campaign Haiti Food System Alliance Model School Network Haitian Education & Leadership Program 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/ You can now find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nonprofitleadershippodcast7679 If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com If you would like a sample coaching session, email rob@robharter.com Takeaways: The Kellogg Foundation has been engaged in Haiti for 70 years.Community engagement and local leadership are crucial for effective solutions.Investing in smallholder farmers is key to economic development in Haiti.Education and leadership programs empower the next generation.Collaboration among organizations leads to systemic change.Measuring impact involves assessing both financial commitments and community needs.The Model School Network has improved educational outcomes in Haiti.Immediate needs must be balanced with long-term solutions.Engaging with local organizations is essential for sustainable development.Trust-based relationships are vital for successful partnerships.

Erin McAleer What does it take to solve food insecurity on a statewide level? In this episode, Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread, shares how Massachusetts is tackling food insecurity through advocacy, systemic change, and statewide collaboration. Erin discusses Project Bread’s radical approach to ending hunger by addressing both immediate needs and permanent solutions, including the recent passage of free school meals for all K-12 students in Massachusetts. She explains the importance of involving people with lived experiences in the decision-making process to craft more effective and sustainable solutions. Rob’s guest, Erin McAleer, highlights the work of the Make Hunger History Coalition, a statewide effort bringing together anti-hunger advocates, organizations, and individuals to create long-term solutions for food insecurity. Erin shares how Project Bread has grown over the past few years, scaling both their impact and programs during the pandemic. She emphasizes that scaling should not be the goal, but the result of a clear mission and effective strategies. Erin’s approach of combining direct service with advocacy and systems change has made a lasting impact in Massachusetts. Erin’s story offers nonprofit leaders some valuable insights into creating lasting, systemic change, building coalitions, and engaging individuals with lived experience to drive the solutions for issues like food insecurity. Mentioned: Project Bread’s website The School Meals Program Follow Erin McAleer 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/ You can now find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nonprofitleadershippodcast7679 If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com If you would like a sample coaching session, email rob@robharter.com Summary: In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter interviews Erin McLeer, the president and CEO of Project Bread, a food security organization in Massachusetts. They discuss the organization’s advocacy for free school meals, the importance of engaging individuals with lived experience in decision-making, and the challenges of scaling a nonprofit during a pandemic. Erin shares insights on building coalitions, creating systemic change, and fostering a culture of feedback within the organization. Takeaways: Project Bread focuses on permanent systems change to end hunger. Advocacy for free school meals was driven by community voices. Engaging individuals with lived experience is crucial for effective solutions. Coalition building is essential to address systemic issues like hunger. Recruiting community leaders enhances the impact of advocacy efforts. Creating lasting change requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Scaling a nonprofit should align with its mission and theory of change. Challenges during the pandemic included maintaining team cohesion and culture. Feedback mechanisms are vital for fostering a healthy organizational culture. Internal lived experiences can inform and shape organizational strategies. Quotes: “Hunger is preventable and solvable.” “We need to meet that immediate need.” “This was personal for me.”

What does it take to become a successful fundraiser in today’s competitive nonprofit environment? In this episode, Haley Cooper, fundraising expert and host of the Lead with Heart podcast, shares key strategies for becoming a savvy fundraiser. Haley discusses the most pressing challenges nonprofit leaders face, such as staff turnover and donor retention, and how to build sustainable fundraising models. She highlights the importance of recurring giving programs and personalized donor communication in boosting engagement. Rob’s guest, Haley Cooper, explains how different generations approach philanthropy and how nonprofits can tailor their messaging to align with donor values. She emphasizes the need for engaging storytelling to connect emotionally with donors and offers tips on leveraging social media effectively. She stresses that nonprofits should focus on creating compelling, interactive content, as well as the importance of actively engaging with followers by responding to comments, sending personalized messages, and collaborating with influencers. Throughout the episode, Haley offers practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their fundraising strategies and keep donors engaged in the digital age. Mentioned: Haley Cooper’s website Lead with Heart Podcast Connect with Haley 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/ You can now find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nonprofitleadershippodcast7679 If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com If you would like a sample coaching session, email rob@robharter.com Summary In this conversation, Rob Harter and Haley Cooper discuss the current challenges and strategies in nonprofit fundraising. They explore the importance of staff retention, effective communication with donors, the rise of subscription-based giving, and the generational differences in donor engagement. Haley emphasizes the need for nonprofits to leverage social media effectively, build authentic relationships, and adapt their fundraising strategies to meet the evolving landscape. The discussion concludes with resources for nonprofits to enhance their fundraising efforts. Takeaways Finding quality staff is a significant challenge for nonprofits. High turnover rates can lead to increased fundraising costs. Understanding donor communication preferences is crucial. Storytelling is a powerful tool for donor engagement. Subscription-based giving is becoming more popular among younger generations. Generational differences affect how donors engage with nonprofits. Nonprofits should focus on one or two social media platforms. Engagement on social media is more valuable than likes. Investing in technology can streamline fundraising efforts. Transparency and accountability are essential for donor trust.

Nonprofit. It is a word we all use to describe our organizations, but are we inadvertently hurting ourselves by using that word? When you hear the name “nonprofit” what comes to mind? Perhaps scarcity, or the opposite of something, or work that we shouldn’t get paid to do? Why do we call this sector by its tax exempt status rather than for what we do? Shouldn’t we be known for the impact and change we bring to the world? Today, we are honored to welcome back four, successful leaders from the nonprofit sector to discuss why we need to rebrand the sector and ways we can start doing so. This was an interview Rob initially did a year ago. He received so much positive feedback, it is reposted for those who may have missed it. This topic is just as relevant now as it was a year ago. Rob’s guests are Gayle Smith, Joan Garry, Tony Martignetti, and Sara Lomelin. Gayle is the CEO of The ONE Campaign. Joan is the founder of Nonprofit Leadership Lab. Tony is the host of Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio. Sara is the CEO of Philanthropy Together. All five of these leaders are not only passionate about the specific work they do, but they are also passionate about changing and improving the sector as a whole. The panel opens the discussion talking about the word “nonprofit” and why using this term to describe our work is a problem. Joan believes nonprofit leaders get so caught up in doing good work, that they don’t invest time in showing the world that they are more than just their “tax exempt” status. Gayle thinks using terms like “nonprofit” to describe the work organizations do, makes them sound like failed businesses. Sara believes it makes organizations sound weak and limits their impact. Tony believes that the term “nonprofit” doesn’t grab the attention of media outlets, and thus organizations fail to get in front of more people. When it comes to how the sector can start to rebrand itself, all four leaders agree that changing the reputation comes from the collective work of each organization. They agree that organizations in the sector must start using different language to describe the work they do, and start incorporating words such as “impact” and “change” in their storytelling. They also strongly agree that in order to rebrand the sector, organizations need to improve on collaborating, emanating confidence, and storytelling.  Mentioned: Gayle Smithhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gayle-e-smith/ Joan Garryhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joangarry/ Tony Martinettihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignetti/ Sara Lomelinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/saralomelin/  This Podcast is sponsored by: Donorbox 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/ 

Armando Contreras What does it take to turn around a struggling nonprofit? In this episode, Armando Contreras, CEO of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), shares his remarkable story of reviving a nonprofit that was on the verge of bankruptcy. Armando discusses the challenges UCP faced and the strategies he implemented to restore financial stability and build trust with affiliates. He also highlights UCP’s broader mission to support individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, along with its plans to celebrate the organization’s 75th anniversary. Rob’s guest, Armando Contreras, explains how UCP has evolved over the past 75 years to provide vital services to individuals with disabilities, including therapies, early intervention, and employment support. He also shares inspiring stories of how UCP’s programs have transformed lives, helping people with disabilities achieve independence. Armando reflects on the key decisions that helped UCP become sustainable again. Armando’s vision for the future of UCP includes expanding advocacy efforts, integrating new technologies and early detection tools for cerebral palsy, and empowering people with disabilities to take the lead in advocacy efforts. He emphasizes the importance of continuing to adapt to meet the changing needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. Mentioned: United Cerebral Palsy Organization Website Find an affiliate near you United for Gold campaign Donate to UCP Follow UCP on Facebook Follow UCP on Instagram   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/ You can now find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nonprofitleadershippodcast7679 If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com If you would like a sample coaching session, email rob@robharter.com Quick Summary: In this episode, Rob Harter interviews Armando Contreras, the President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), celebrating the organization’s 75th anniversary. They discuss the significant milestones UCP has achieved, transformative stories of individuals impacted by their services, and the leadership strategies that turned around the organization during financial challenges. Armando highlights the importance of building a network of affiliates, addressing the challenges families face, and the future role of UCP in leveraging technology and advocacy for the disability community. Takeaways UCP has evolved from institutional care to inclusive community support. Early intervention is key to improving outcomes for children with disabilities. Transformative stories highlight the miracles achieved through UCP’s services. Leadership requires making tough decisions for organizational sustainability. Building trust with affiliates is crucial for a nonprofit’s success. UCP provides vital services not only for cerebral palsy but also for other conditions. Collaboration with other organizations enhances resource availability for families. Advocacy is essential for addressing outdated laws affecting individuals with disabilities. Technology plays a significant role in early detection and assistive devices. UCP is committed to empowering self-advocates to share their stories. Quotes “75 years of significant milestones!” “Families say their child will never walk.” “We were heading towards bankruptcy.”

Lindsay Kolsch Mental health is a critical issue, especially in today’s world, and Lindsay Kolsch, Co-Executive Director of To Write Love On Her Arms, joins this episode to discuss her organization’s mission. Lindsay shares how TWLOHA provides hope and help to people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. With suicide affecting someone every 40 seconds globally, this conversation highlights the importance of mental health awareness, breaking stigma, and providing resources to those in need. Rob’s guest, Lindsay Kolsch, delves into the origin of the organization’s unique name, which stems from a personal story shared by the founder, Jamie Tworkowski. The conversation explores TWLOHA’s approach to connecting people with mental health resources and providing scholarships for counseling services. Lindsay also touches on the challenges of mental health access, particularly in underserved areas, and how her organization is working to eliminate barriers for those in need. Additionally, they discuss how mental health issues are particularly affecting young people and the role of community support in creating long-term change. Lindsay’s experience as Co-Executive Director highlights how shared leadership can prevent burnout and foster collaboration in nonprofit organizations. She explains how the co-executive model has benefited their team by leveraging diverse skill sets and maintaining a clear focus on the organization’s mission. Mentioned: To Write Love On Her Arms: Mental health nonprofit TWLOHA’s Between the Bells mental health literacy program for schools Crisis Text Line for mental health support Connect with Lindsay Kolsch on Instagram Connect with Lindsay Kolsch on LinkedIn Takeaways-The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of teenagers, leading to an increase in panic attacks and a lack of access to mental health care providers.-Mental health literacy programs in schools can help create a supportive environment for discussing mental health and provide resources for teenagers in need.-The internet can be both a source of support and a dark place for teenagers seeking mental health care, highlighting the need for safe and accessible resources.-The co-executive director approach in nonprofit organizations can prevent burnout and provide a collaborative leadership structure that supports the mission and impact of the organization.titles “As COVID sort of reshaped that landscape, I think there was a huge fallout. There was a huge increase of teens experiencing panic attacks.”“Teens have access to care because the internet is also can be a very dark place.”“Here are some skills that I actually need to develop for resilience. Here are some skills I need for emotional regulation.” 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

Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love Humans are not the only ones who suffer through troubling times, their pets do as well. Pets are often the only companion a person may have and they play a big role in one’s mental and physical health, especially during trying times. This episodes’ guest, Susanne Kogut, explains why her nonprofit is committed to the wellbeing of pets and their families.  Susanne is the President of Petco Love. Petco Love was founded in 1999 and they serve as a leader and partner in animal welfare. The organization’s mission is to create a better world for animals and the people who love and need them. Petco Love does this by empowering animal welfare organizations by investing $330 million in adoption and other life saving efforts. Susanne explains the large impact that pets have on our lives as individuals and as a community. She shares that Petco Love is committed to ending unnecessary euthanasia on pets, and will be granting $15 million in investments to animal welfare partners across the US. Susanne believes that growing pains are necessary when an organization is faced with changes, and leaders must recognize and communicate both the challenges and benefits to their team. She also shares why it is so important to constantly look at the efforts of similar nonprofits, when figuring out what lane your organization is best suited for. Susanne describes two very important projects that Petco Love started. One is to help lost pets find their families and the other is to to help prevent pets from getting deadly and costly diseases. Finally, she explains the various ways that Petco Love seeks to be an advocacy organization for pets.  #FromTheArchives Mentioned: Petco Love  Connect with Susanne on LinkedIn This Episode is sponsored by:

Kathleen Kelly Janus Have you ever wondered how public-private partnerships can help solve large-scale social issues? Today’s guest, Kathleen Kelly Janus, shares her experience leading impactful collaborations between government, private companies, and nonprofits to tackle challenges like homelessness and recidivism. Kathleen Kelly explains how these partnerships are vital to scaling innovation and creating sustainable social change. Rob’s guest, Kathleen Kelly Janus, is the former Senior Advisor on Social Innovation for the State of California. During her time in this role, she led over 50 public-private partnerships that mobilized $4.2 billion in funding and brought resources to address some of California’s most pressing social challenges. One of her most notable achievements is the development of Project Home Key, which provided thousands of housing units for the homeless during the pandemic. Kathleen Kelly, a social innovation expert, explains the importance of public-private partnerships in creating scalable impact. She highlights how projects like Home Key and Returning Home Well demonstrate the power of collaboration between government, nonprofits, and private businesses. Kathleen Kelly shares valuable lessons learned from these initiatives, including the importance of relationship-building, leadership buy-in, and addressing real problems. She also discusses how these partnerships can serve as models for other states and nonprofits to follow in maximizing their social impact. Mentioned: Kathleen’s book: Social Startup Success Project Home Key: A housing initiative for the homeless Returning Home Well: Re-entry support for formerly incarcerated individuals Connect with Kathleen Kelly on LinkedIn Connect with Kathleen Kelly on Instagram 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 Kathleen Kelly Janus discusses the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing social challenges. She shares her experience as California’s first senior advisor on social innovation and highlights the impact of partnerships in addressing issues like affordable housing and reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Janus emphasizes the need for nonprofits and government agencies to build relationships, have buy-in from leadership, and address real problems in order to create successful partnerships. She also discusses the barriers to effective partnerships, including the lack of infrastructure in government. Overall, Janus advocates for nonprofits to be more purposeful in building bridges with government to maximize their impact. Takeaways Public-private partnerships are essential in addressing social challenges and maximizing impact. Building relationships and having buy-in from leadership are crucial for successful partnerships. Partnerships should focus on addressing real problems and communicating their impact. Nonprofits and government agencies need to work together and be proactive in creating partnerships. The lack of infrastructure in government can be a barrier to effective partnerships Quotes “Chipping away at these problems little by little isn’t going to achieve the kind of scale that we want and need.”“The pandemic forced us to be innovative because we had no choice.”“We can build housing faster, cheaper, smarter.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:48 California’s Project Home Key: Converting Properties into Permanent Housing 11:23 Lessons Learned and Effective Partnerships 15:38 Barriers to Effective Partnerships 18:58 How Nonprofits Can Work Better with Government and For-Profit Partners 20:45 Building Infrastructure for Partnerships