Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

[https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Marie-683x1024.jpeg] In this episode, Rob Harter is joined by nonprofit experts Mandy Pearce and Marie Palacios from Funding for Good to explore how strategic planning and fundraising go hand in hand. They explain why your strategic plan isn’t just a leadership document—it’s the foundation for all successful fundraising efforts. As nonprofits enter the critical fourth quarter, Mandy and Marie share actionable strategies to align your board, budget, and development goals to maximize year-end giving. [https://nonprofitleadershippodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Mandy-1024x683.jpeg] KEY TOPICS INCLUDE: * Why a consensus-driven strategic plan is the single most important resource in the nonprofit fundraising toolkit. * How aligning strategic planning, budgeting, and fundraising plans creates coherence and reduces resistance internally. * Identifying and prioritizing organizational needs, and using timelines and segmented donor strategies to drive effective fundraising. * The critical role of relationships over flashy tools—handwritten notes, donor cultivation, and personal connections matter most. * Planning ahead: why fundraising preparation should begin as early as August to set up for a successful year-end season. * The board’s role in strategic planning—from setting vision and mission to scans and implementation oversight. * How strategic planning informs leadership development, board composition, onboarding, and succession. * Instilling accountability through clear task assignment, color-coded 90-day implementation plans, and regular check-ins. * Encouraging board engagement in fundraising: starting with 100% board giving, setting clear expectations (“get or give”), and offering varied, comfortable ways for board members to contribute. THIS FOUR-WEEK SERIES IS SPONSORED BY: * Zeffy [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/register?utm_source=Rob_Harter&noDashboardRedirection=true#SignUpMethodChoice] – The 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits. * 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]. https://zeffy.com 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 [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/2025/08/Julie-Castle-scaled-e1756735426528-1024x681.jpeg] Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. In this inspiring episode, Julie shares her remarkable journey—from employee #17 with an $800,000 annual budget to leading a thriving $180 million organization. She highlights how steadfast commitment to brand, high-touch donor relationships, positive storytelling, and unwavering focus on mission fueled exponential growth and deep community connection. Julie dives into the power of personal touches—thank‑you phone calls and handwritten notes, even today—and how authenticity and consistency, paired with a clear, optimistic brand narrative, have built a movement. She also discusses the importance of hiring for cultural fit, nurturing internal talent, and staying laser‑focused on a singular mission. KEY TOPICS INCLUDE: * The transformative impact of high‑touch, personal donor interactions—calling and thanking every donor, no matter the gift size. * Why positive, uplifting storytelling resonates more than negative appeals and how Best Friends built its brand around hope and joy. * The strategic value of crafting your own branded content (like an in‑house magazine), vs. outsourcing. * How best practices and generous sharing of knowledge built Best Friends into a national, mission‑driven leader. * Hiring for chemistry and cultural alignment over pedigree, and investing in internal growth. * Staying mission‑centric—choosing what not to do and focusing relentlessly on an impactful, singular goal. * The enduring strength of an individual, compelling story in fundraising and community building. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: * Best Friends Animal Society website: bestfriends.org [https://bestfriends.org/] * The concept of “no‑kill” movement and organizational transformation * High‑touch donor practices (handwritten letters, phone calls) * Best Friends’ in‑house magazine—exclusive storytelling resource shared with supporters * Importance of positivity in branding versus traditional guilt‑based messaging * Active use of storytelling frameworks like the hero’s journey * Donor segmentation—print magazine for longtime supporters, digital for broader audiences * Volunteer correspondence team for personalized responses * Social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram) for community engagement THIS FOUR-WEEK SERIES IS SPONSORED BY: * Zeffy [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/register?utm_source=Rob_Harter&noDashboardRedirection=true#SignUpMethodChoice] – The 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits. * Find out more about all of the resources Zeffy [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/register?utm_source=Rob_Harter&noDashboardRedirection=true#SignUpMethodChoice] can offer your nonprofit here [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/register?utm_source=Rob_Harter&noDashboardRedirection=true#SignUpMethodChoice]. 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 [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/2025/08/Sebastian.jpeg]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 [http://www.zeffy.com/en-US/register?&utm_source=Rob_Harter] * Benchmark Study [https://www.zeffy.com/research/recurring-donor-benchmarks] * Seasonal Giving Trends Data [https://www.zeffy.com/research/seasonal-giving-trends] * Contact Seb Boyer: sebastien@zeffy.com This Four-Week Series is Sponsored By: * Zeffy – The 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits: https://zeffy.com [https://zeffy.com/] * Check out more information here [http://www.zeffy.com/en-US/register?&utm_source=Rob_Harter] to sign up Links to Resources: * Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website [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 * 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/2025/08/Brittan-Stockert-683x1024.jpeg]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 [https://donorbox.org/?kfl_ln=nmu4ndh] * DonorBox Podcast Resources: https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/nonprofit-podcasts [https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/nonprofit-podcasts] 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 * 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 [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/2025/08/Alex-Amouyel-Headshot-2023-682x1024.png]Alex Amouyel 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 Foundation, to explore how nonprofits can more effectively approach foundations for funding. With billions in grant requests competing for limited dollars, Alex shares candid insights into what makes a funding request compelling—and how nonprofits can align their proposals with a foundation’s mission. Alex also discusses the unique “100% for Purpose” business model behind Newman’s Own, which donates 100% of profits to support children facing adversity. She reflects on her own leadership journey, the shifting philanthropic landscape, and how nonprofits can navigate funding challenges in a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re an executive director, development professional, or board member, this conversation offers practical strategies for building stronger relationships with funders. Key Topics Include: * The origin and mission of the Newman’s Own Foundation and its 100% profits-to-charity model * How the “100% for Purpose Club” inspires other companies to commit all profits to social good * Real-world examples of impact in children’s camps and food justice initiatives * Essential leadership traits for navigating change in the nonprofit sector * The importance of aligning grant requests with a foundation’s specific mission and needs * Current trends in philanthropy, including collaborative funding and youth-led decision-making * Practical advice for approaching and building relationships with foundations Mentioned in This Episode: * Newman’s Own Foundation [https://newmansown.org/] * 100% for Purpose Club [https://100forpurpose.org/] * SeriousFun Children’s Network [https://seriousfun.org/] * FoodCorps [https://foodcorps.org/] * Indigenous Tomorrows Fund [https://nativephilanthropy.org/itf] * Mosaic Film Experience [https://mosaicfilmexperience.com/] 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 [https://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!