Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

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!

Brittan Stockert In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter is joined by Brittan Stockert, a seasoned fundraising coach at DonorBox with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and social impact sector. As nonprofit leaders brace for the critical year-end giving season, Brittan provides an encouraging, realistic, and highly practical guide to making the most of it—without adding to your burnout. From revitalizing donation forms to simplifying your follow-up communications, Brittan shares smart, actionable strategies that can significantly boost donor engagement and retention. With a strong emphasis on simplicity, authenticity, and relationship-building, this episode is filled with ideas that will help you elevate your year-end giving campaign—whether you're a one-person shop or part of a larger team. Key Topics Include: Why now is the perfect time to start planning your year-end giving campaign How donation forms can be powerful relationship builders—and how to optimize yours Three easy tweaks to turn one-time donors into long-term supporters Simple, low-lift follow-up strategies that build donor trust and engagement Why you might want to skip Giving Tuesday this year—and what to do instead How to authentically engage top donors in your year-end campaign Using clear data and donor feedback to pivot your strategy effectively Mentioned in This Episode: DonorBox DonorBox Podcast Resources: https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/nonprofit-podcasts 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!

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Alex Amouyel, President and CEO of the Newman's Own ...

In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Adam Boddison, CEO of the Association for Project Management and Managing Director at Grant Genie, ...

In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Alex Goeller, CEO of Waste Less Solutions, a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and reducing ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter welcomes executive and leadership coach Kelly Kienzle to explore the mounting uncertainty ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter dives into a transformative discussion with Bob Searle of The Bridgespan Group. Bob shares ...

Rob interviews William Vanderbloemen who shares his experience about starting a cause-based search firm. His firm emphasizes the need for nonprofits to prioritize soft ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter dives into the evolving staffing models within the nonprofit sector, spotlighting the rise ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter sits down with Ben Sand, CEO of The Contingent, a nonprofit that's revolutionizing ...

Safe water. While most of us have access to it, there are millions across the world who do not. There are approximately 700 million ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Rabbi Joanna Samuels, CEO and President of the Marlene Meyerson ...

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 ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter is joined by Sophie Blondeau, Partner/ Chief Strategy Officer of the Sowen Group, ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter is joined by leadership coach and author Dave Garrison to explore a ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes Tim Coetzee, CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, to discuss the ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter welcomes storytelling expert Vanessa Chase Lockshin, founder of The Storytelling Non-Profit and ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Dan Tocchini, a seasoned nonprofit leader, coach, and founder who ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter is joined by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, founder, chairman, and CEO of Best Buddies ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Bob Bush, co-founder of Mutombo Coffee. Bob shares the inspiring story behind ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter talks with Debbie Levin, CEO of the Environmental Media Association (EMA). Debbie shares ...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with David Rhode, author of Passion Isn't Enough. Together, they dive ...

In this episode Rob sits down with David Robbins, President of Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ International), a global nonprofit with staff in over 190 countries. David shares his leadership journey and dives into the unique challenges and opportunities of leading a multigenerational organization. With team members spanning five generations, David offers valuable strategies for fostering unity, avoiding mission drift, and empowering younger leaders in a rapidly changing world. From his time in Italy and New York to leading major nonprofit divisions, David reflects on the personal and professional experiences that have shaped his leadership philosophy. He emphasizes emotional health, vulnerability, and intentional development of younger leaders as critical components to successful nonprofit leadership. Key Topics Include: Strategies for leading an organization with five generations on staff Avoiding mission drift during leadership transitions The importance of emotional and spiritual health in leadership Building trust with a global team during a leadership change Empowering younger generations through stretch challenges Navigating generational gaps with compassion and shared understanding Practical rhythms and habits to prevent leadership burnout Mentioned in This Episode: Cru: https://www.cru.org Book: Courage and Calling by Gordon T. Smith This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox: https://www.donorbox.org 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!

In this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Yoon Choi, CEO of CollegeSpring, a nonprofit organization committed to providing equitable access to college readiness resources for students impacted by poverty. With over two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Yoon shares how CollegeSpring is revolutionizing test preparation and college readiness by focusing on foundational skills, resilience, and goal setting. Yoon also offers a candid look at the evolving role of standardized testing in higher education, the myths surrounding "test-optional" admissions, and the importance of collaboration and partnerships in sustaining nonprofit impact. Her insights are a masterclass for nonprofit leaders navigating the post-COVID landscape, especially those seeking scalable and sustainable solutions. Key Topics Include: Why standardized tests still matter in college and career readiness How CollegeSpring builds student confidence and long-term success Merging mission with strategy: Yoon's take on nonprofit partnerships and M&A The challenge of nonprofit scaling and how to overcome financial and operational barriers Embedding programs into school systems for lasting impact The evolving debate over the value of college degrees Advice for young nonprofit professionals eager to grow as leaders Mentioned in This Episode: CollegeSpring: https://collegespring.org Connect with Yoon Choi on LinkedIn: Yoon Choi 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 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!

In this episode Rob sits down with David Robbins, President of Cru, a global nonprofit with staff in over 190 countries. David shares his ...

In this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Yoon Choi, CEO of CollegeSpring, a nonprofit organization committed to providing equitable access to college readiness ...

Innovation and nonprofits don't always seem like a natural fit—but they should be. In this episode, Rob Harter talks with Leah Kral, author of Innovation for Social Change, about how nonprofit leaders can infuse creativity and innovation into their organizations. Leah shares her insights on overcoming common barriers to innovation, fostering a culture of creativity, and building sustainable systems that support new ideas. Key topics include: Why innovation is often overlooked in the nonprofit sector How Leah's experiences in the Peace Corps shaped her passion for nonprofit strategy Practical ways nonprofits can embed innovation into their organizational DNA The six principles of social change innovation The importance of empowering frontline staff to bring forward new ideas Lessons nonprofits can learn from organizations like Pixar and Mayo Clinic How to embrace experimentation and learn from failure Leah also shares inspiring examples of nonprofits that are leading the way in innovation and offers actionable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to step up their creativity. Mentioned in This Episode: Leah Kral's Website – Learn more about Leah and download her book club discussion guide Innovation for Social Change – Leah Kral's book on nonprofit innovation World Reader – Using digital books to promote literacy worldwide Pixar's Creative Process – How Pixar fosters creativity and collaboration 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!

Innovation and nonprofits don't always seem like a natural fit—but they should be. In this episode, Rob Harter talks with Leah Kral, author of ...

Rob Harter is joined by Peter Laugharn, President and CEO of the Hilton Foundation, to discuss how the foundation is tackling homelessness in Los ...

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!

In this episode, Rob Harter is joined by Eric Hodel, CEO of Midwest Food Bank, to discuss how his organization is tackling food insecurity ...

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!

In this episode, Rob Harter is joined by Jesse Lane, founder of goodmakerU and Branches Mission Lab, to discuss how nonprofits can elevate their ...

In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Dr. Michael Horowitz, Chancellor of The Community Solution Education System, about the crucial role of culture in ...

In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Javier Lezcano, Executive Director of Xcalibur Foundation, a nonprofit based in Spain that is making a significant ...

In this episode, Rob speaks with Doug Paul, founder of Catapult, about the importance of personal growth for nonprofit leaders. Doug emphasizes the role ...

In this episode, Rob is joined by Mohamed Osman and Ali Metcalf from Spring Impact, a nonprofit focused on helping organizations tackle global challenges ...

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 ...

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 ...

In this episode, Rob is joined by Scott Marcello, President of African Mission Healthcare, to discuss how nonprofit collaboration can amplify impact and create ...

In this episode, Rob is joined by John Hewko, General Secretary and CEO of Rotary International. John shares an update on Rotary's global initiatives, ...

In this episode, Rob speaks with Dr. Kristen Brown, Senior Research Associate at the Urban Institute, about the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) ...

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the nonprofit landscape, and the question for nonprofit leaders isn't whether to use AI, but how to use ...

In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Scott Key, the founder of Every Shelter, a nonprofit focused on providing innovative shelter solutions for refugees. ...

In this episode, Rob is joined by Ellena Fortner, founder of Nonprofit Bestie, an organization dedicated to empowering women leaders in small and medium-sized ...

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 ...

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 ...

Measuring impact is crucial for nonprofits striving to create sustainable change. In this episode, Dana François, Program Officer for Family Economic Security at the ...

What does it take to solve food insecurity on a statewide level? In this episode, Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread, shares ...

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 ...

Nonprofit. It is a word we all use to describe our organizations, but are we inadvertently hurting ourselves by using that word? When you ...