How Our Brains Are Wired for Generosity and Why It Matters

How Our Brains Are Wired for Generosity and Why It Matters

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Koshy-Cherian-002-997x1024.jpeg] Why do people give—and what happens in the brain when they decide to support a cause? Rob Harter sits down with fundraising strategist, behavioral science expert, and Neurogiving author Cherian Koshy to explore the neuroscience behind generosity. Cherian explains why charitable giving is closely connected to emotion, identity, belonging, and the brain’s reward systems—and why facts alone rarely inspire someone to donate. Cherian also shares practical ways nonprofit leaders can create more meaningful donor experiences, reduce unnecessary friction, and build lasting relationships rooted in trust. The conversation examines the ethical use of neuroscience and artificial intelligence in fundraising, emphasizing that these tools should deepen human connection rather than manipulate donors or reduce them to data points. Key Topics Include: * Why generosity and charitable giving are wired into the human brain * How giving expresses a donor’s identity, values, passions, and sense of belonging * Why nonprofit communications should connect emotionally before presenting facts and data * How confusion, excessive choices, insider language, and complicated donation forms create friction * The difference between harmful friction and intentional questions that reinforce donor identity * Ethical considerations for using neuroscience and artificial intelligence in fundraising * How consistency, curiosity, transparency, and patience build donor trust and lifelong loyalty Mentioned in This Episode: * Cherian Koshy’s Website [https://www.cheriankoshy.com/] * Connect with Cherian Koshy on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriankoshy] This Episode is Sponsored By: * Donorbox [https://donorbox.org/] Links to Resources: * Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com [http://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 [nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com] * Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com [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/2026/07/Koshy-Cherian-002-997x1024.jpeg]

How to Not Just Survive but Thrive in Leadership

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DORIS-MACHARIA-HEADSHOT-819x1024.jpeg]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 [https://pedaids.org/] * EGPAF on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egpaf [https://www.instagram.com/egpaf] * EGPAF on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elizabeth-glaser-pediatric-aids-foundation [https://www.linkedin.com/company/elizabeth-glaser-pediatric-aids-foundation] This Episode is Sponsored By: * DonorBox: [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh] Links to Resources: * Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com [http://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 [nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com] * Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com [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!

How Building Trust Can Accelerate Impact

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ThompsonTerri-136HiRes-748x1024.jpg] In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Clare Durrett and Dr. Terri Thompson of Answer ALS about how trust, collaboration, and shared data can accelerate meaningful impact. Answer ALS began after a powerful summit led by Steve Gleason and Team Gleason, where patients, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, and advocates came together to rethink how ALS research could move forward with fewer barriers and greater urgency. Clare and Terri share how Answer ALS developed Neuromine, a globally accessible research platform designed to help researchers explore clinical, genomic, biological, and multi-omic data in one place. Their conversation offers valuable lessons for nonprofit leaders on building trust with stakeholders, protecting community-centered values, scaling ambitious work, and creating systems that make collaboration easier than working in isolation. [https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CDurrett-headshot-small-1024x1024.jpg] Key Topics Include: * How Steve Gleason and the ALS community helped spark the creation of Answer ALS * Why traditional disease research often gets slowed down by data silos and limited access * How Neuromine helps researchers access, compare, and use complex ALS data more efficiently * The importance of patient partnership, dignity, and agency in nonprofit and medical research models * How Answer ALS balances global accessibility with privacy, security, and scientific rigor * Why trust with donors, researchers, and the community is essential for long-term impact * Lessons for nonprofit leaders on collaboration, transparency, data stewardship, and scaling a mission Mentioned in This Episode: * Answer ALS: https://www.answerals.org [https://www.answerals.org/] * Neuromine: https://www.answerals.org/neuromine [https://www.answerals.org/neuromine] * Answer ALS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/answer-als [https://www.linkedin.com/company/answer-als] This Episode is Sponsored By: * DonorBox: [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh] Links to Resources: * Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com [http://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 [nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com] * Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com [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!

Investing in the Next Generation: Why the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation Is All In

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Jay-Williams-681x1024.jpeg]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 [https://greaterhartfordgives.org/] * Greater Futures Scholarship Fund [https://greaterhartfordgives.org/greater-futures-scholarship-fund/] * Hartford Promise [https://www.hartfordpromise.org/] * Hartford Promise Scholarship [https://www.hartfordpromise.org/ourscholarship.html] This Episode is Sponsored By: * DonorBox [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh] Links to Resources: * Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com [http://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 [nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com] * Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com [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!

From Heartbreak to Impact: Channeling Loss Into a Movement for Positive Change

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Madison-Dubiski-e1781549819955-1024x715.jpg] In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Michelle Dubiski, mother of Madison Dubiski, who tragically lost her life during the 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy in Houston. Michelle shares Madison’s servant-hearted spirit, her deep love for others, and how an organic movement called #PinkBowsForMadison became a symbol of love, remembrance, and hope. Rob is also joined by Steve Allen, an event management and crowd safety expert who has partnered with the Pink Bows Foundation to help create global standards for show-stop procedures and live event safety. Together, Michelle and Steve share how grief has been transformed into advocacy, education, safe spaces, and a growing movement to prevent future tragedies at concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other large gatherings. Key Topics Include: * The story of Madison Dubiski and the tragedy that inspired the Pink Bows Foundation * How the #PinkBowsForMadison movement spread from Houston across the world * Why nonprofits can grow powerful movements through community support, clarity of mission, and collaboration * The foundation’s three pillars: philanthropic giving, safe spaces at events, and show-stop safety training * How Steve Allen and Dr. Mark Hamilton helped develop an internationally accredited show-stop procedure course * Why live event safety protocols matter at concerts, festivals, stadiums, and large public gatherings * How the Pink Bows Foundation is partnering with global experts, venues, promoters, and public safety leaders to create lasting change Mentioned in This Episode: * Pink Bows Foundation [https://pinkbowsfoundation.org/] * About the Pink Bows Foundation [https://pinkbowsfoundation.org/about/] * Pink Bows Foundation: Madison Dubiski’s family turns tragedy into advocacy [https://pinkbowsfoundation.org/madison-dubiskis-family-turns-tragedy-into-advocacy-with-pink-bows-foundation-after-astroworld-tragedy/] (Pink Bows Foundation [https://pinkbowsfoundation.org/madison-dubiskis-family-turns-tragedy-into-advocacy-with-pink-bows-foundation-after-astroworld-tragedy/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]) * Email the Pink Bows Foundation: info@pinkbowsfoundation.org [info@pinkbowsfoundation.org] * Follow the Pink Bows Foundation on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Pink-Bows-For-Madison-111368818186248/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pinkbowsfoundation/], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pink-bows-foundation] This Episode is Sponsored By: * DonorBox [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh] Links to Resources: * Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com [http://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 [nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com] * Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com [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!