Research That Matters - A Global Deep Dive

E26: Utilizing Supervised Practice in School Settings - An Opportunity to Increase Student Awareness of Food Waste Reduction Strategies

In this article from the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation, we explore how supervised practice in school settings can serve as a powerful tool for addressing one of today’s most pressing public health and sustainability challenges—food waste. Drawing on the Utah State University Master of Dietetics Administration (USU MDA) program, the study highlights how experiential learning enables dietetic students to actively engage in real-world interventions that both reduce waste and increase student awareness . The article outlines four key strategies used in school settings: recipe development to improve food appeal, nutrition promotion events with taste testing, classroom-based nutrition education, and plate waste studies that generate actionable data. These approaches not only help reduce the significant levels of food waste seen in school cafeterias—estimated between 27% and 53%—but also influence long-term dietary behaviors among students. For example, simple changes in food preparation, such as roasting vegetables, significantly increased student selection and acceptance, demonstrating the importance of sensory appeal in driving consumption. Beyond the classroom, the article emphasizes the broader implications for nonprofit and public sector collaboration. By integrating food waste reduction into education, programming, and community partnerships, organizations can contribute to national sustainability goals while promoting healthier eating habits. Ultimately, this research demonstrates how combining education, data, and hands-on practice can create scalable, evidence-based solutions that benefit both people and the planet. This podcast episode was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool, to create an accessible audio discussion based on the research presented in this article.

E25: Rethinking NGO Sustainability

In this episode, we explore research from the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation that challenges one of the most deeply held assumptions in the nonprofit sector—that sustainability is primarily about funding. Drawing on global trends and real-world examples, this thought paper reveals how increasing volatility in traditional funding streams, shifting donor behavior, and reliance on short-term or reactive giving are forcing nonprofits to rethink how they operate and sustain their impact . Rather than focusing solely on financial capital, the episode introduces a powerful framework built around multiple resource types—financial, material, human, knowledge, and network resources—anchored by a critical sixth element: relational capital, or trust. We break down how each of these resource types contributes to long-term sustainability and how nonprofits can intentionally design their organizations to leverage a more diverse and resilient mix of support. From volunteer-driven models and in-kind partnerships to data-driven decision-making and collaborative networks, the discussion highlights how many of the most impactful resources are often overlooked. The episode also reimagines the role of nonprofit boards, emphasizing their potential to contribute far beyond financial oversight by activating their networks, expertise, and relationships. Ultimately, this research reframes sustainability as the strategic orchestration of resources—not just the pursuit of funding—and offers practical insights for nonprofit leaders looking to build more adaptive, collaborative, and trust-centered organizations. This podcast episode was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool, to create an accessible audio discussion based on the research presented in this article.

E24: Study on Nonprofit Top Struggles - Why More Money Won't Save Nonprofits

In this episode, we explore research from the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation that takes a closer look at what nonprofit leaders themselves say are their biggest challenges—and the results may challenge common assumptions. While funding and financial sustainability are the most frequently cited struggles, this study of 77 nonprofit leaders reveals a deeper and more complex reality . Through a qualitative analysis with descriptive quantification, the research distinguishes between what leaders say is a challenge and what actually prevents them from taking action. We unpack how capacity-related issues—such as board governance, staffing shortages, compliance burdens, operational systems, and leadership bandwidth—often emerge as the most immediate barriers to progress, even when funding dominates the conversation. The episode walks through the study’s three analytical lenses, showing how frequency, sequencing, and capacity-focused analysis reveal different layers of nonprofit struggle. This systems-level perspective suggests that funding challenges are often downstream symptoms of deeper capacity gaps. For nonprofit leaders, funders, and practitioners, this episode highlights a critical shift in thinking: solving nonprofit challenges requires more than financial support—it requires strengthening the underlying capacity that enables organizations to effectively use resources. We also explore how AI-enabled tools and training programs can serve as capacity multipliers, helping nonprofits reduce administrative burden, improve operations, and ultimately increase their ability to achieve sustainable impact. This podcast episode was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool, to create an accessible audio discussion based on the research presented in this article.

E23: Why People Do (and Don't) Give

In this episode, we explore research from the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation that unpacks a fundamental question in philanthropy: why do people give—and why do they choose not to? While global giving remains high, participation is becoming more concentrated, with fewer donors contributing a larger share of total donations . This episode dives into the complex mix of factors that shape philanthropic behavior, revealing that giving is not driven by generosity alone, but by a combination of emotional connection, trust, social influence, financial considerations, and personal values. We discuss how emotions like compassion and empathy can motivate action, while trust in organizations plays a critical role in whether donors follow through. At the same time, barriers such as lack of transparency, perceived corruption, and uncertainty about impact can discourage even well-intentioned individuals from giving. The research also highlights how religious participation, social networks, and personality traits influence philanthropic behavior, alongside broader systemic issues such as inequality and the political influence of large-scale philanthropy. Together, these insights reveal that philanthropy operates within a complex ecosystem where motivation, trust, and structure all intersect. This episode challenges nonprofit leaders to think beyond simply asking for donations. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of building trust, reducing barriers to giving, and creating meaningful connections with donors in order to foster sustained engagement and a culture of generosity. This podcast episode was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool, to create an accessible audio discussion based on the research presented in this article.

E22: Philanthropy: Corporate Giving, Executive Corruption and more

In this episode, we explore emerging research from the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation that challenges how we understand philanthropy—particularly the complex and sometimes hidden dynamics behind corporate giving. While philanthropy is often viewed as a signal of social responsibility and ethical leadership, recent studies reveal a more complicated reality. One study highlights how corporate donations, especially in certain regulatory environments, can be used to mask executive-level corruption—where higher levels of charitable giving are statistically linked to concealed misconduct within firms . This raises important questions for nonprofits that rely on corporate funding: how do we distinguish genuine social impact from strategic reputation management? At the same time, the episode also explores broader themes across philanthropy research, including how donor motivations are shaped by incentives and culture, how foundations use media to influence public narratives, and how global systems of giving impact policy, equity, and trust. Together, these studies reveal that philanthropy is not just about generosity—it is deeply embedded in systems of power, governance, and human behavior. For nonprofit leaders, this research underscores the importance of transparency, due diligence, and thoughtful partnership strategies in navigating an increasingly complex philanthropic landscape. This podcast episode was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool, to create an accessible audio discussion based on the research presented in this article.