Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Betsy-Cooper.jpeg]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 [https://aspenpolicyacademy.org/] * Boulder Advocacy [https://afj.org/bolder-advocacy/] * Rising Civic AI Leaders [https://www.aspendigital.org/project/rising-civic-ai-leaders/] * Aspen Tech Policy Hub [https://www.aspentechpolicyhub.org/] This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh]: [https://www.donorbox.org/]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 [https://www.youtube.com/@NonprofitLeadershipPodcast] 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/72asKZ21pS2RG8Cn0puXWl], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4dabd6e2-75da-425b-a51f-43a318b29ce2/nonprofit-leadership-podcast]. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Edgar-Formal-Suit-Tie-819x1024.jpg]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 [https://www.worldvision.org]: This Episode is Sponsored By: * DonorBox [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh]: Click here for more information [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh] Links to Resources: * Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com * Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@NonprofitLeadershipPodcast] * 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/72asKZ21pS2RG8Cn0puXWl], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4dabd6e2-75da-425b-a51f-43a318b29ce2/nonprofit-leadership-podcast]. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Sam-Fankuchen-.jpg]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 [https://www.goldenvolunteer.com/] * Golden donates $500M in Volunteer Management Software: Read here [https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/golden-donates-500m-in-volunteer-management-software-to-support-nonprofits-impacted-by-americorps-funding-freeze-302444063.html] This Episode is Sponsored By: * DonorBox [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh]: 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@NonprofitLeadershipPodcast] * 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/72asKZ21pS2RG8Cn0puXWl], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4dabd6e2-75da-425b-a51f-43a318b29ce2/nonprofit-leadership-podcast]. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Jill-Koski-1024x694.jpeg]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 [https://mortonarb.org/] * Connect with Jill Koski on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-koski-7290a75/] This Episode is Sponsored By: * Donorbox [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh]: 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@NonprofitLeadershipPodcast] * 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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nonprofit-leadership-podcast/id1102505312], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/72asKZ21pS2RG8Cn0puXWl], or Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4dabd6e2-75da-425b-a51f-43a318b29ce2/nonprofit-leadership-podcast]. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Brian-Crimmins-773x1024.jpg]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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancrimmins9/] GenerosityCrisis.com [https://www.chappell-crimmins.com/] This Four-Week Series is Sponsored By: Find out more about all of the resources Zeffy can offer your nonprofit here [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/register?utm_source=Rob_Harter&noDashboardRedirection=true#SignUpMethodChoice]. Zeffy [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/register?utm_source=Rob_Harter&noDashboardRedirection=true#SignUpMethodChoice] – 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/ [https://robharter.com/] If you have any suggestions for the show, email nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com [nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com] For more episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, check out https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/ [https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/]  Join the discussion over on Rob’s LinkedIn page [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rob-harter-25457313/]