Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

What happens when a nonprofit receives not one, but two transformational, unrestricted gifts worth millions of dollars? In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Dr. Xanthe Scharff, President and CEO of the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC), and Havovi Waddia, Managing Director of Programs for The Freedom Fund. Both organizations have received two major gifts from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott—WRC receiving a total of $24 million and The Freedom Fund receiving a total of $95 million. Xanthe and Havovi discuss how these unexpected gifts have transformed their organizations’ ability to think strategically, invest in frontline organizations, strengthen internal systems, and make long-term commitments to the communities they serve. They also explore the power of trust-based philanthropy, why unrestricted funding can create significantly more impact than traditional restricted grants, and what MacKenzie Scott’s approach to giving could mean for the future of nonprofit fundraising and philanthropy. Dr. Xanthe Scharff Key Topics Include: How the Women’s Refugee Commission and The Freedom Fund received transformational gifts from MacKenzie Scott without applying or making a traditional funding request Why receiving a second major gift represents an extraordinary vote of confidence in an organization’s leadership, mission, transparency, and impact How unrestricted funding gives nonprofit leaders the flexibility and “head space” to make strategic, long-term decisions instead of simply reacting to immediate funding pressures How The Freedom Fund is using its funding to make long-term investments in frontline and survivor-led organizations working to end modern slavery How the Women’s Refugee Commission is adapting its funding model amid major cuts to government and international humanitarian aid Why trust-based philanthropy can strengthen nonprofit organizations, frontline partners, civil society, and ultimately democracy and human rights What MacKenzie Scott’s giving philosophy may signal about the future of philanthropy—and why private philanthropy cannot replace the responsibility of governments Mentioned in This Episode: Women’s Refugee Commission The Freedom Fund Yield Giving 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 [email protected] Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected] 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!

What happens when you’re responsible for holding a nonprofit organization together while your personal life is falling apart? In this episode, Rob Harter sits down with Ashley Stallings to have an honest conversation about nonprofit leadership, burnout, vulnerability, and what it takes to lead sustainably through seasons of personal crisis. Ashley shares her own experience of navigating the end of a 19-year marriage, becoming a single mom, and leading an organization that was barely hanging on—all at the same time. She explains the warning signs she missed, why asking for help can be so difficult for leaders, and how a strong support system ultimately helped her recover. Rob and Ashley also explore practical ways nonprofit leaders and boards can build healthier organizational structures, create psychological safety, establish boundaries, and prepare for difficult seasons before a crisis occurs. Key Topics Include: Recognizing the early warning signs that a nonprofit leader may be approaching burnout or a breaking point How tying your identity and self-worth too closely to your organization’s mission can push you beyond healthy limits Why nonprofit leaders often struggle to ask for help and the importance of building a support network before you need it Finding the right balance between healthy vulnerability and oversharing with staff and board members How boards, second-in-command leaders, and succession plans can reduce the pressure placed on executive directors Establishing healthy boundaries and learning why saying “no” can protect both the leader and the organization’s mission Creating sustainable leadership practices that allow nonprofit leaders and their teams to stay healthy for the long haul Mentioned in This Episode: Learn more about Ashley Stallings, her speaking, and nonprofit consulting: AudiblyAshley.com 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 [email protected] Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected] 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!

Amy Tomasso America’s housing crisis is not only about affordability—it is also about a lack of diverse housing options for people at different income levels and stages of life. In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Amy Tomasso, Director of Policy Innovation at Ivory Innovations, about the “missing middle” between detached single-family homes and large apartment buildings. Amy explains how duplexes, triplexes, cottage courts, accessory dwelling units, and other smaller housing types could create more attainable options for first-time homebuyers, growing families, and older adults hoping to downsize. Amy also shares how Ivory Innovations combines research, education, entrepreneurship, public policy, and hands-on affordable housing development to move promising ideas into practice. The conversation explores zoning reform, construction technology, innovative financing, cross-sector partnerships, and the important role nonprofit leaders and community foundations can play in developing local housing strategies. Key Topics Include: Why the housing crisis affects community wellbeing, economic development, food security, and financial stability What “missing middle” housing is and why many communities stopped building it How zoning reform, smaller lots, streamlined approvals, and developer support can expand housing options How Ivory Innovations tests new construction technologies and housing solutions through its Fieldworks program Why successful housing policy reforms need committed champions from government, business, nonprofits, or the community What nonprofit organizations can learn from the public and private sectors—and what those sectors can learn from nonprofits How students and emerging leaders can enter the housing field through Hack-A-House and other educational opportunities Mentioned in This Episode: Ivory Innovations The Little Book of Low-Cost, High-Impact Housing Solutions The Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability Ivory Innovations Fieldworks Hack-A-House Missing Middle Housing UCLA Housing Voice Podcast Fixer-Upper: How to Repair America’s Broken Housing Systems by Jenny Schuetz Escaping the Housing Trap by Charles Marohn Jr. and Daniel Herriges Missing Middle Housing: Thinking Big and Building Small to Respond to Today’s Housing Crisis by Daniel Parolek 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 [email protected] Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected] 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!

Donors want to know that their generosity is making a real difference. Yet many gifts can feel like they disappear into a “black box,” leaving supporters unsure where their donations went or whom they helped. In this episode, Rob Harter speaks with Antonis Politis, CEO and co-founder of Givelink, and Panos Kokmotos, COO and co-founder of Givelink, about how greater transparency can strengthen donor trust, improve the giving experience, and increase donor retention. Givelink enables donors to purchase products that nonprofits currently need, track those items through delivery, and receive photos, videos, and personalized stories showing their impact. Antonis and Panos explain why nonprofits should make giving more tangible and human, how AI can personalize donor communications without replacing authentic connection, and why Givelink’s transparency model has led donors to give approximately 60% more annually. Key Topics Include: Why uncertainty about where donations go can weaken donor trust and retention How Givelink connects donors with the specific products nonprofits currently need Why nonprofits should be able to track charitable impact as easily as consumers track a package How photos, videos, and personalized impact stories make giving more tangible Why Givelink reports that donors give approximately 60% more annually through its platform How nonprofits can use AI to personalize donor communications while preserving authentic human connection How Givelink provides its in-kind donation platform to nonprofits at no cost Mentioned in This Episode: Learn more about Givelink and its free in-kind donation platform for nonprofits: Givelink Explore Givelink’s resources for nonprofit organizations: Givelink for Nonprofits Research nonprofit accountability and transparency: Charity Navigator 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 [email protected] Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected] 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. Doris Macharia In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter speaks with Dr. Doris Macharia, President of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, about what it takes to lead with clarity, courage, and resilience during times of crisis. Dr. Macharia shares her journey from practicing medicine in Kenya to leading global HIV and public health initiatives, and how her background prepared her to step into executive leadership during a season of major international funding cuts. Dr. Macharia offers practical insight for nonprofit leaders navigating uncertainty, staffing challenges, donor shifts, and organizational change. She emphasizes the importance of staying anchored to mission, communicating consistently, making decisive choices, caring for yourself as a leader, and building trust through presence, empathy, and action. Key Topics Include: How nonprofit leaders can build trust when stepping into leadership during a crisis Why mission clarity gives organizations authority and direction during uncertain times Leading global health and nonprofit work through funding cuts and resource scarcity The importance of communication, listening, and visible leadership with staff and stakeholders How collaboration with governments, communities, donors, and partners strengthens impact Why leaders must make decisions quickly, even with limited information The role of self-care, family support, preparation, and personal values in sustainable leadership Mentioned in This Episode: Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation: https://pedaids.org EGPAF on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egpaf EGPAF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elizabeth-glaser-pediatric-aids-foundation 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 [email protected] Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected] 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!

Jay Williams In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Jay Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation. Jay shares his leadership journey from banking and public service to becoming the first African American and youngest mayor of Youngstown, Ohio, serving in the Obama administration, and now leading one of Connecticut’s major community foundations. Rob and Jay discuss how philanthropy, nonprofit partnerships, workforce development, and education can come together to create lasting community impact. Jay explains why the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation is investing deeply in the next generation through its Greater Futures Scholarship partnership with Hartford Promise, helping students access college, wraparound support, and the opportunity to graduate with little to no student loan debt. Key Topics Include: Jay Williams’ journey from banking and public service to nonprofit and philanthropic leadership Why community foundations must use data, partnerships, and local insight to address inequity The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s five strategic priorities: basic human needs, employment, thriving neighborhoods, civic resident engagement, and arts and culture How student loan debt impacts local economies, workforce development, homeownership, and long-term community growth The Greater Futures Scholarship partnership with Hartford Promise and its potential to provide up to $100,000 over four years Why wraparound services are essential for helping first-generation college students succeed Leadership lessons on building strong teams, creating a collaborative culture, and taking responsibility when challenges arise Mentioned in This Episode: Greater Hartford Gives Foundation Greater Futures Scholarship Fund Hartford Promise Hartford Promise Scholarship 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 [email protected] Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected] 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!

Hanna Bauer In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Rob Harter talks with Hanna Bauer, founder of HEARTnomics®, about what it really means to lead with clarity, courage, and service. Hanna shares how her childhood battle with heart disease, including a groundbreaking heart ablation surgery, shaped the way she thinks about uncertainty, resilience, and servant leadership. Drawing from her work as a leadership strategist, consultant, coach, and speaker, Hanna explains how nonprofit leaders can move beyond reactive decision-making and build sustainable organizations rooted in vision, values, accountability, and trust. She also introduces her HEART leadership framework and BEAT method as practical tools for helping leaders align people, purpose, performance, and long-term impact. Key Topics Include: How Hanna’s childhood experience with heart disease shaped her leadership philosophy Why effective leadership begins with service and a clear vision The importance of values-based leadership for nonprofit culture and trust How the HEART framework helps leaders build alignment, sustainability, and impact Why founder-led nonprofits often struggle with sustainability and succession How nonprofit leaders can recognize burnout and create healthier rhythms of leadership Moving from reactive leadership to proactive, values-driven decision-making Mentioned in This Episode: Hanna Bauer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauerhanna HEARTnomics: https://heartnomics.com HEARTnomics Leadership Profile: https://heartnomics.com/heartnomics-leadership-profile/ Ser Familia: https://serfamilia.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 [email protected] Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected] 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!

Dianne Bailey In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter talks with Dianne Bailey, Managing Director and National Philanthropic Strategy Executive at Bank of America Private Bank, about the changing landscape of nonprofit fundraising, affluent donors, and the future of charitable giving. Dianne brings decades of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit law, donor strategy, and foundation work, offering a unique view from the intersection of donors and nonprofit leaders. Rob and Dianne discuss key findings from the Bank of America Study of Philanthropy, including why total giving is increasing while fewer households are giving, how nonprofits can build deeper donor relationships, and why volunteer engagement often leads to greater generosity. They also explore donor advised funds, planned giving, women in philanthropy, rising-generation donors, and the massive intergenerational wealth transfer that could reshape nonprofit fundraising for decades to come. Key Topics Include: Why fewer affluent households are giving, even as total charitable giving continues to rise How nonprofits can move from transactional fundraising to relational donor engagement The importance of listening to donors and aligning giving opportunities with their values, interests, and experiences Why volunteers often become stronger, more generous long-term donors How nonprofits can prepare for the great intergenerational wealth transfer through planned giving Why women and rising-generation donors should be key priorities for nonprofit fundraising strategies How donor advised funds can help nonprofits receive larger and more strategic gifts Mentioned in This Episode: Bank of America Study of Philanthropy Connect with Dianne Bailey on LinkedIn 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 [email protected] Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected] 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!

Steve Cadigan In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Steve Cadigan, talent strategist, author of Workquake, and LinkedIn’s first Chief HR Officer. Steve shares how the employer-employee relationship has changed dramatically in recent years, especially as AI, remote work, frequent career changes, and shifting expectations around purpose and flexibility continue to reshape the workplace. Steve explains why nonprofit leaders can no longer rely on traditional ideas of long-term retention or job security. Instead, he encourages leaders to offer “career security” by helping employees grow, learn, and become better prepared for an uncertain future. For nonprofits, this shift creates a powerful opportunity to attract mission-driven talent, build stronger alumni relationships, redesign roles for shorter talent cycles, and create cultures where people want to contribute deeply—even if they do not stay forever. Key Topics Include: Why the “workquake” is changing how leaders recruit, retain, and develop talent The difference between job security and career security How nonprofit leaders can build stronger talent strategies in a short-tenure workplace Why employees are increasingly loyal to learning, growth, and purpose How nonprofits can attract people in career transition through “tour of duty” roles The value of alumni communities and maintaining relationships with former employees Why reverse mentoring can help younger employees contribute, grow, and stay engaged Mentioned in This Episode: Steve Cadigan’s website: https://stevecadigan.com Steve Cadigan’s book, Workquake: https://stevecadigan.com/workquake/ Steve Cardigan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan/ 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 [email protected] Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected] 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 special four-state panel discussion, Rob Harter brings together nonprofit leaders from Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado to discuss the biggest trends impacting nonprofit leadership today. Guests Jill Bennett of the Utah Nonprofits Association, Kevin Bailey of the Idaho Community Foundation and Idaho Nonprofit Center, Jodi Shields of the Wyoming Nonprofit Network, and Lloyd Lewis of arc Thrift Stores share practical insights on financial sustainability, fundraising challenges, staff burnout, AI, board governance, collaboration, and social enterprise. Together, the panel explores how nonprofit organizations can continue to serve rising community needs while facing funding uncertainty, workforce pressure, and rapid technological change. This conversation offers honest encouragement and practical strategies for executive directors, board members, fundraisers, and nonprofit staff who are navigating today’s complex nonprofit landscape. Key Topics Include: How nonprofit leaders are responding to financial uncertainty, changing donor behavior, and reduced grant funding The growing challenge of nonprofit staff burnout and how organizations can better support and retain employees Why mission alignment, flexible work, clear expectations, and healthy workplace culture matter for nonprofit retention Practical ways nonprofits are using AI and technology to save time, improve communication, and strengthen operations Board governance best practices, including the role of the board, ideal board size, and when to use advisory boards How nonprofit collaboration, mergers, shared services, and collective impact models can increase effectiveness The importance of joining state nonprofit associations and building a stronger collective voice for the sector Mentioned in This Episode: Utah Nonprofits Association UTAHGIVES Idaho Community Foundation Idaho Nonprofit Center Idaho Gives Wyoming Nonprofit Network WyoGives arc Thrift Stores arc Thrift Stores Gala 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 [email protected] Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected] 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!