Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Dr. Rob Harter
  • 4.7 (81)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast discusses important issues facing nonprofit leaders in our community and features real stories from real leaders about what strategies and practices have made them successful. Enjoy the show!

  1. 2D AGO

    This is the Fastest Growing Trend in Fundraising Today

    Mitch Stein In this timely and data-packed episode, Rob Harter sits down with Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot, to unpack one of the most important—and fastest-growing—trends in nonprofit fundraising: Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). With economic uncertainty, shifting donor behavior, and fewer individuals giving overall, nonprofit leaders must understand how to meet donors where they are. And increasingly, that’s through DAFs. Mitch shares eye-opening statistics, including that nearly 20% of all charitable donations now come from DAFs, totaling $65 billion in grants in 2024 alone. He explains how DAFs work, why donors love them, common misconceptions around payout rates, and—most importantly—how nonprofits can create a clear and effective DAF strategy to increase revenue and donor engagement. If you’re looking to future-proof your fundraising efforts, this is a must-listen episode. Key Topics Include: The explosive growth of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), with $326 billion currently held in DAF accounts Why approximately 1 in 5 charitable dollars now comes from a DAF How DAFs work and the tax advantages that attract donors Common misconceptions about DAF payout rates and “hoarding” concerns The 10x increase in average gift size when donors switch from credit cards to DAFs Practical steps nonprofits can take to build a DAF strategy How to leverage DAF Day and integrate DAF messaging into existing fundraising campaigns Mentioned in This Episode: Chariot 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 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, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

    37 min

  2. FEB 8

    What Gen Z Can Bring to Your Social Impact Organization

    Tim Elmore In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders and author of The Future Begins With Z, for a thought-provoking discussion on how nonprofit and social impact organizations can better attract, engage, and retain Generation Z talent. Drawing from decades of experience and recent research with over 2,000 Gen Z individuals, Tim shares surprising insights about Gen Z’s workplace mindset, their desire for purpose-driven work, and how leaders can adapt to unlock the potential of this emerging generation. Tim dispels common myths about Gen Z—including the idea that they lack work ethic—and instead highlights their unique strengths: intuitive tech skills, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial thinking, and a deep passion for social justice. He offers practical, data-backed strategies for nonprofit leaders to become more effective mentors, foster inclusive workplace cultures, and design roles that engage Gen Zers in meaningful ways. If your organization is looking to future-proof its team and mission, this episode is a must-listen. Key Topics Include: Why Gen Z may be the solution to future challenges—not just another workforce “problem” The Peter Pan Paradox: how the age of authority is decreasing while the age of maturity rises Practical tips for recruiting and retaining Gen Z talent, including optimizing your website and onboarding experience How reverse mentoring can empower Gen Zers and improve your leadership Creating a “first job” experience that inspires loyalty and learning Strategies for addressing Gen Z’s mental health needs with empathy and structure How Gen Z is reshaping views on leadership, feedback, and workplace culture Mentioned in This Episode: Tim Elmore’s website: TimElmore.com The Future Begins With Z (Tim’s latest book) This Episode is Sponsored By: DonorBox.org 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, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

    45 min

  3. FEB 1

    How Can We Best Navigate the New Guidelines for Corporate Giving?

    Matt Nash Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Matt Nash, Executive Director of The Blackbaud Giving Fund, to unpack the recent changes in federal tax law that significantly impact corporate giving. With corporate philanthropy under increased scrutiny and new tax hurdles on the horizon, Matt offers timely insights and actionable advice for nonprofits looking to maintain or grow their corporate donor base. The discussion dives into how the 1% income floor for corporate charitable deductions, taking effect in 2026, might affect corporate giving patterns—particularly for small and mid-sized nonprofits. Matt shares strategies for strengthening corporate relationships, tailoring outreach based on business size, and leveraging tools like AI and workplace giving platforms to better tell your story and attract support. Key Topics Include: The impact of the new 1% income threshold for corporate tax deductions starting in 2026 Why brand image and community presence are bigger motivators for corporate giving than tax deductions How nonprofits can adapt their strategy for small, mid-sized, and large corporations The importance of storytelling, emotional connection, and measurable impact reporting in donor relations How to leverage volunteerism and in-kind donations even when corporate cash gifts are cut Best practices for sustaining and deepening corporate partnerships during policy and funding shifts Why AI tools and online presence matter more than ever for workplace giving platforms Mentioned in This Episode: The Blackbaud Giving Fund Matt Nash on LinkedIn The Blackbaud Giving Fund on Facebook, Instagram, and 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 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, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

    37 min

  4. JAN 25

    Are You Dreaming Big Enough for Your Organization?

    In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Dan Pallotta—renowned author, TED Talk speaker, and social impact provocateur—to discuss what it really takes to solve the world’s biggest problems. Known for challenging the status quo in the nonprofit sector, Dan pushes listeners to think beyond conventional limitations, urging nonprofit leaders and donors alike to reimagine what’s possible when we truly embrace bold, audacious goals. Dan unpacks his groundbreaking fundraising innovations, including the AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Day Walks, and dives into key themes from his recent documentary Uncharitable. He emphasizes that nonprofits need to stop playing it safe and start empowering people to explore their own heroism—whether it’s through higher-risk initiatives or rethinking how we define overhead and impact. This episode will inspire you to challenge outdated assumptions and push your organization to dream—and do—bigger. Key Topics Include: The origin and impact of Dan’s fundraising innovations, including the AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Day events Why nonprofits must reframe how they view overhead, salaries, and investments The danger of playing it safe: how fear of failure stifles nonprofit innovation Exploring the concept of fundraising as a path to individual heroism Why bold, time-bound goals are essential for real social impact The importance of capital investment and risk-taking in the nonprofit sector Insights from the Uncharitable documentary and how it’s shifting donor mindsets Mentioned in This Episode: Dan Pallotta’s Website: DanPallotta.com Watch Uncharitable: UncharitableMovie.com The Audacious Project: audaciousproject.org No Kid Hungry: nokidhungry.org Social Current: social-current.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 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, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

    42 min

  5. JAN 18

    Fundraising Trends You Need to Know for 2026

    Julia Campbell In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter is joined by Julia Campbell, a renowned nonprofit strategist and host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast. With over 20 years in the field, Julia shares the latest data-backed fundraising trends shaping 2026 and what nonprofits can do to thrive amidst economic shifts and evolving donor expectations. Julia emphasizes the growing importance of recurring giving programs, the need for intentional donor communication, and why many nonprofits are leaving billions on the table. She also dives into the impact of generational wealth transfer, how AI and technology can support donor engagement, and how storytelling—not just data—can move donors to action. Tune in to learn innovative approaches, digital strategies, and the mindset shifts nonprofit leaders need to succeed in today’s changing landscape. Key Topics Include: Why recurring giving is essential in a subscription-based world How nonprofits are unintentionally losing out on $52 billion in potential donations The myth of donor fatigue—and what donors are really tired of Storytelling strategies that drive donor engagement and retention Effective use of AI for content repurposing and personalized communication Innovative fundraising tactics using SMS, Facebook DMs, and short-form video How to connect with Gen Z and millennial donors through mission-focused social content Mentioned in This Episode: Julia Campbell’s Website: jcsocialmarketing.com Julia’s Podcast: Nonprofit Nation Podcast GivingTuesday Data Commons: givingtuesday.org/data Plummer Youth Promise: plummeryouthpromise.org Amirah, Inc.: amirahinc.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 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, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

    38 min

  6. JAN 11

    Rules of the Road for Social Impact Organizations

    Betsy Schmidt In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter sits down with Elizabeth “Betsy” Schmidt, senior research fellow at the University of Massachusetts and author of the new book Rules of the Road for Nonprofit Leaders. Betsy brings her decades of experience in public policy and nonprofit law to the table to demystify complex legal frameworks and help leaders leverage the law to support their mission. Together, Rob and Betsy explore the often misunderstood legal and ethical responsibilities of nonprofit leaders. From navigating political activity and advocacy to understanding the distinctions between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, this episode offers practical and empowering guidance for social impact organizations seeking to remain compliant and mission-focused in an evolving landscape. Key Topics Include: The difference between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, and when to consider forming a C4 Legal boundaries for nonprofit advocacy, lobbying, and political activity How staying true to your mission often ensures legal compliance Best practices for nonprofit governance, financial oversight, and ethics How federal and state-level regulations are shifting and what to watch for in 2026 Common legal pitfalls nonprofits face and how to avoid them Resources and tools for staying up to date with nonprofit law Mentioned in This Episode: Rules of the Road for Nonprofit Leaders (Georgetown University Press) NonprofitRules.com Bookshop.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 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, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

    31 min

  7. JAN 4

    How One Organization is Greatly Improving the Care for Individuals with Disabilities

    Rob speaks with Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, a nonprofit that has been at the forefront of providing safe, dignified, and inclusive care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Stack shares his personal journey that led him into this field, beginning with volunteering as a young seminarian and evolving into decades of nonprofit leadership. Robert offers eye-opening insights into the challenges and injustices still facing the disability care sector—from exploitative practices by private equity firms to deeply flawed state-run institutions. He also outlines Community Options’ impactful approach: prioritizing person-centered care, scaling nonprofit services responsibly, and advocating for inclusive employment that uplifts people with disabilities. His book, Silent No Longer, is a call to action for society to demand dignity and rights for all individuals, regardless of ability. Key Topics Include: The negative impact of private equity investment in disability care services How state-run institutions often prioritize employment over quality care The injustice of sub-minimum wages and legal aversion therapies still used in some states The importance of inclusive employment and its social benefits for individuals with disabilities Community Options’ approach to personalized care and their growth across 12 states Why mentorship and dignity-driven programming lead to better outcomes What Robert Stack hopes readers take away from his book Silent No Longer Mentioned in This Episode: Community Options RobertStack.org Silent No Longer (Book) 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 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, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

    31 min

  8. 12/28/2025

    The Power of Grit and Positivity

    Laura Parker In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Laura Parker, CEO and co-founder of The Exodus Road, a nonprofit combating human trafficking across the globe. Laura shares the deeply personal and powerful story of how she and her husband were first confronted with the realities of trafficking while working in Northern Thailand, which ultimately inspired them to launch their organization. With operations now spanning four countries, The Exodus Road works alongside law enforcement and communities to prevent exploitation, rescue victims, and support survivor aftercare. Laura discusses the leadership principles and cultural values that have fueled the growth and resilience of her organization, including grit, empathy, excellence, and collaboration. She also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive workplace culture in an industry often mired in darkness. Key Topics Include: The origin story of The Exodus Road and its mission to fight human trafficking How grit and persistence have been key to the organization’s impact and longevity Laura’s collaborative yet decisive leadership style as a “reluctant CEO” The critical role of workplace culture, communication, and survivor-centered storytelling Strategies for balancing international work with U.S.-based initiatives Embracing partnerships and an abundance mindset to expand limited nonprofit resources The launch of Influenced, a U.S. program focused on digital safety and prevention for teens Mentioned in This Episode: The Exodus Road: theexodusroad.com Influenced (digital safety & prevention education): influenced.org Follow Laura Parker on Instagram: @iamlauraparker 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 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, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

    36 min
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4.7
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About

The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast discusses important issues facing nonprofit leaders in our community and features real stories from real leaders about what strategies and practices have made them successful. Enjoy the show!

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Rob Harter
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    295
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Nonprofit Leadership Podcast. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

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