In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter reconnects with Larz May, founder of the nonprofit #HalfTheStory and the newly launched for-profit social enterprise Ginko. Larz returns to the show three years after her initial appearance to share her incredible growth journey—one that has seen her organization gain the backing of influential figures like Oprah Winfrey and Melinda French Gates, and collaborate with foundations and government leaders.



Born out of Larz's personal experience with mental health struggles exacerbated by social media, #HalfTheStory is dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital wellness activists. She shares how her nonprofit has grown, the importance of storytelling, and how she created a sustainable funding model by launching Ginko—a HIPAA-compliant digital wellness tool designed to help parents better support their children in the age of AI and constant connectivity.



Key Topics Include:




Larz May’s personal story and the founding of #HalfTheStory as a response to digital mental health crises.



The innovative use of storytelling and cultural relevance to grow a nonprofit from the ground up.



How #HalfTheStory scaled through partnerships with organizations like Girls Inc. and support from major philanthropists.



The launch of Ginko, a social enterprise designed to help families navigate digital wellness and fund #HalfTheStory.



The evolving role of nonprofits in the AI era and the importance of integrating tech with emotional intelligence.



Practical insights for nonprofit leaders on impact measurement, fundraising strategy, and maintaining a competitive edge.



Larz’s call for changing the capital flow in the nonprofit sector and her vision for supporting future social impact entrepreneurs.




Mentioned in This Episode:




#HalfTheStory: https://halfthestoryproject.org



Ginko: https://www.heyginko.com



Girls Inc.: https://girlsinc.org




This Episode is Sponsored By:




DonorBox




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!

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!

Kurt Mosley



In this insightful episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with healthcare leadership experts Kurt Mosley and Neil 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 Neil 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 Neil 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




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 Episode is Sponsored By:




Zeffy




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 Episode is Sponsored By:




Zeffy



DonorBox




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!

Seb Boyer



In this kickoff to a special four-week fundraising series, host Rob Harter welcomes Seb Boyer, President of Zeffy, a 100% free fundraising platform built for nonprofits. Seb, a former tech entrepreneur and AI startup founder, shares his insights into why Zeffy was created, how it sustains a completely free model, and what the latest fundraising data reveals about giving trends across the nonprofit sector.



Rob and Seb dive into Zeffy's recent benchmark reports, including findings on seasonal giving patterns and recurring donor behaviors. Seb explains why fall is the prime giving season, how different sectors experience unique donation trends, and why retaining recurring donors is both a challenge and a major opportunity. This data-driven episode equips nonprofit leaders with actionable strategies to elevate their year-end campaigns and rethink donor engagement through the lens of smart data.



Key Topics Include:




How Zeffy operates as a truly free platform with no fees for nonprofits



Insights from Zeffy’s benchmark report on seasonal giving trends



Why fall is the most active fundraising season—and how to prepare now



Differences in donor patterns across nonprofit sectors



Surprising data on recurring donor retention and drop-off rates



How nonprofits can use data to guide smarter fundraising decisions



The importance of using simple, integrated tech tools for donor engagement




Mentioned in This Episode And More Resources:




Zeffy



Benchmark Study



Seasonal Giving Trends Data



Contact Seb Boyer: sebastien@zeffy.com




This Episode is Sponsored By:




Zeffy – The 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits: https://zeffy.com



Check out more information here to sign up




Links to Resources:




Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website



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!

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