The NonProfit Podcast Network

The NonProfit Podcast Network
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

The NonProfit Podcast network is a compilation of not for profit businesses, organizations and community entities that are invited to be interviewed on the podcast pro-bono, use the network to find like organizations doing great work in their communities and source a one-stop listening shop of exclusively non profit organizations. This outlet is meant to give each featured non profit an opportunity to tell their story in their words, giving listeners a better and more complete understanding of the mission, vision and values as well as clearly delineating who they serve and how they're funded. Our intent is for this network to become a useful tool in helping any non profit organization begin the journey to successfully telling their story though podcasting then using that podcast as a marketing tool to reinforce their current supporters, reach new potential donors and volunteers through an easily deployed podcast. Growing reach for awareness with the speed of digital, this is just one more opportunity to get their story told to more people faster. By doing so, we expect this process to further embed the organizations in their communities of service as a result of the simplicity of distribution, the nature of the content and the ease of access to learn more about them.You can visit the website at https://www.nonprofpod.com/

  1. 1d ago

    It’s Never Too Late: High School for Adults | Highlands Community Charter & Technical Schools

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... When most of us think about high school, we think about teenagers. Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools is challenging that assumption by providing public high school education to adults 22 and older who are ready for another opportunity. My guest is Jonathan Raymond, CEO and Executive Director of Highlands Charter Schools and a familiar name in Sacramento education. The average Highlands student is over 40. Seventy percent are parents, and about 88% speak a language other than English as their native language. Many are immigrants and refugees. Some are formerly incarcerated. Others simply reached adulthood without a high school diploma or discovered that education and professional credentials earned in another country didn't easily translate into opportunity here. Highlands provides high school diploma pathways, English-language instruction, career and technical education, foundational learning, and wraparound services, all designed around the realities of adult students. But this conversation is also about the rebuilding of Highlands itself. Jonathan stepped into the organization following a highly critical state audit and a period of significant turmoil. We discuss the work required to restore trust, raise standards, improve accountability, and keep the focus on student outcomes. At the time of our conversation, Highlands had fully implemented all 18 recommendations from the state auditor and had grown from approximately 900 students at the beginning of the prior school year to nearly 2,200 students. We also explore the enormous demand for adult English-language education, the importance of community partnerships, the limitations of applying traditional K through 12 rules to adult learners, and Jonathan's belief that success should ultimately be measured by outcomes: learning English, completing coursework, earning a diploma, entering higher education, getting a job, and becoming economically self-sufficient. Some students take two years. Others take six. Some are returning to school in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s. Highlands' motto captures the conversation perfectly: “It’s Never Too Late.” Learn more about Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools through their website: https://hccts.org/ Chapter timestamps 00:00 Meet Jonathan Raymond & Highlands Charter Schools 04:00 High School, Career Training & English Language Programs 08:00 The Huge Demand for Adult English Education 12:00 Wraparound Services & Community Partnerships 15:00 Funding, the State Audit & Rebuilding Highlands 20:00 Accountability, Accreditation & Enrollment Growth 23:00 Rethinking Education for Adult Learners 29:00 Student Stories & the Power of Persistence 32:00 From Compliance to Innovation 36:00 Getting to Know Jonathan & Closing Reflections Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

    It’s Never Too Late: High School for Adults | Highlands Community Charter & Technical Schools

  2. Sep 4

    NonProfit NewsPod: Philanthropy Summit 2026 Is Sold Out: Now, Come Ready to Connect & Learn

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... The 2026 Philanthropy Summit is officially sold out, with more than 600 people expected at Cal Expo on September 15. I’m joined again by Kelly Siefkin, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, for one final update before the big day. We talk about what attendees can expect, from the keynote and breakout sessions to networking, celebration, parking, food and some practical advice for making the most of the experience. And if you missed registration, there may still be one way in: volunteers are still needed. Most importantly, come ready to connect. Bring the business cards, know which sessions you want to attend and be prepared to meet someone you didn’t know before. To learn more about volunteering, visit the site HERE. Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

  3. Sep 2

    Fairytale Town: Where Imagination Still Gets to Run Free

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... I thought I knew Fairytale Town. I didn’t. Like a lot of people who have spent years in Sacramento, I knew the familiar storybook park in William Land Park. The slides, the play structures, the animals and generations of families who have grown up visiting it. What I didn’t fully appreciate was everything happening behind those gates. My guest is Fairytale Town Executive Director Kevin Smith-Fagan, and we explore why an organization founded in 1959 may actually be more relevant to children today than it was decades ago. In a world filled with screens and increasingly structured childhoods, Fairytale Town gives kids room to imagine, explore, problem-solve, interact with other children and develop some independence. We also get into the parts of Fairytale Town you may not know about: summer camps, classroom programs, live animals, theater, homeschool programming, workforce development and the Sacramento Adventure Playground—a free South Sacramento program where kids can build, create and figure things out for themselves. Kevin also explains how Fairytale Town became an independent nonprofit, how its roughly $3 million annual operation is funded, and why awareness, not simply fundraising, is one of the organization’s greatest needs. One of my favorite moments is the story of Camille, a young girl whose summer camp experience helped transform her confidence just before entering kindergarten. Fairytale Town may look like a place built for play. Spend some time looking beneath the surface and you realize there’s some serious child development happening there too. Learn more: https://www.fairytaletown.org/ Chapters 00:00 The Wishing Well Story & Meeting Kevin Smith-Fagan 02:00 67 Years of Fairytale Town 09:00 Camps, Animals, Theater & Classroom Programs 14:00 The Sacramento Adventure Playground & Community Partners 20:00 Fairytale Town’s Surprising Workforce Development Pipeline 25:00 How a $3 Million Nonprofit Sustains Fairytale Town 33:00 The Blank Check Question: What Could Fairytale Town Become? 38:00 New Cultures, Older Kids & Reaching More Families 43:00 Camille’s Story: The Human Impact of Play 50:00 Beyond the Mission: Music, Baseball & Kevin Smith-Fagan Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

    Fairytale Town: Where Imagination Still Gets to Run Free

  4. Aug 31

    NonProfit NewsPod: Meet the 16 SVP Fast Pitch Nonprofits Taking the Next Step Toward the Stage

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Sacramento Venture Philanthropy’s Fast Pitch is back for its 11th year—and it’s going to be bigger than ever. I’m joined by SVP Chief Operating Officer Drew Hayes to reveal the 16 nonprofits selected for the 2026 Fast Pitch cohort and take a closer look at what happens before anyone ever steps onto the stage. From nearly 100 applicants to intensive coaching, workshops and pitch development, Fast Pitch is designed to help nonprofit leaders sharpen their stories, communicate their impact and build skills they can use long after the event is over. We also talk about the move to the Crest Theatre, the funding opportunities available to the entire cohort, and why November 9th promises to be another remarkable night for Sacramento’s nonprofit community. To learn more or for tickets to this year's event: https://www.svpsacramento.org/events/svp-fast-pitch-2026 Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

  5. Aug 28

    NonProfit NewsPod: Sacramento Splash Is Having a Backyard Bash

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... Sacramento Splash has spent 27 years connecting children with nature through hands-on, science-based environmental education—and their upcoming Backyard Bash for Sacramento Splash is helping ensure that work continues. In this NewsPod, I’m joined by Gina Fleming, Director of Development at Sacramento Splash, to talk about the organization’s impact, the importance of getting kids outdoors, and what’s planned for this year’s Backyard Bash. Sacramento Splash has now reached approximately 240,000 children through programs focused on vernal pools, sustainable farming, recycling, stormwater pollution and environmental leadership. During the 2025–2026 school year alone, the organization served nearly 20,000 students, with a strong focus on reaching Title I schools and children who may not otherwise have access to outdoor learning experiences. Gina also shares why this year’s Backyard Bash is especially meaningful. Sacramento Splash founder Eva Butler is returning to Sacramento to celebrate the organization she helped launch nearly three decades ago, while longtime team member Luanne will also be recognized as she prepares for retirement. I’m honored to be serving as emcee for the evening, with David Sobon of Wide Open Walls joining as auctioneer. Guests can expect live music, food, drinks, auction items and a relaxed evening along the river—all in support of Sacramento Splash and its mission to get more kids outside and connected to the natural world. Backyard Bash for Sacramento Splash September 11 6:00–10:00 PM Learn more about Sacramento Splash and get event information at: https://www.sacsplash.org Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

  6. Aug 26

    Academy Stay: Housing and Hope for Former Foster Youth

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... In this episode, I'm speaking with Jenny Davidson, founder and CEO of Academy Stay, to talk about one of the most difficult transitions a young person can face: aging out of foster care without a stable place to live or a dependable family safety net. Jenny’s journey to Academy Stay is deeply personal. After losing her youngest son, Jordan, in 2005, she returned to college in her late 30s, earned both an undergraduate degree and an MBA, and continued a career devoted to helping people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and the child welfare system. Years later, a friend asked her a simple question: If you could do anything in the world, what would you do? Her answer brought her back to foster youth. Jenny says 93% of foster youth want to attend college or trade school someday, yet fewer than 4% graduate. As she researched why, three barriers kept emerging: housing instability, financial insecurity and the absence of a consistent community or family. Academy Stay was created to address all three. Its Sacramento property provides fully furnished housing for former foster youth ages 18 to 24 who are pursuing college or trade school. Residents also receive Wi-Fi, utilities, life-skills education, financial literacy, transportation assistance, mentoring and the everyday support many of us simply learned from family. Jenny calls what these young adults need a “gentle pause”, enough stability to stop concentrating on survival and begin focusing on education, independence and what comes next. We also talk about Academy Stay’s first 14 graduates, its impressive network of community partners, the importance of teaching life skills from “square one,” the value of CASA relationships, and a simple story involving rosemary from the community garden that showed Jenny something much bigger was beginning to happen: community. Academy Stay is not simply providing housing. It is creating dignity, belonging and an opportunity for young adults to build a future. Learn more, donate, volunteer or apply at AcademySTAY.org. Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 — Meet Jenny Davidson & the Story Behind Academy Stay  03:42 — Why Foster Youth Struggle to Finish College  06:42 — Inside Academy Stay’s Housing Model  09:42 — Building Community: The Rosemary Story  12:00 — Partnerships, Education & Support Services  15:42 — From Homelessness to Higher Education  19:42 — Advocating for Foster Youth & Housing Resources  23:42 — Teaching Life Skills From “Square One”  26:42 — 14 Graduates & the Vision for Expansion  33:42 — Academy Stay’s Greatest Needs & How to Help Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

    Academy Stay: Housing and Hope for Former Foster Youth

  7. Aug 22

    NonProfit NewsPod: Philanthropy Summit 2026 - Connect, Communicate and Celebrate With Peers.

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... The Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s third annual Philanthropy Summit is coming to Cal Expo on September 15, and if the first two years are any indication, you’ll want to make plans early. I’m joined by Kelly Siefkin, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, for a NewsPod update on what attendees can expect from this year’s gathering. The Summit brings together nonprofit professionals, donors, board members, community leaders and people who simply want to make a greater impact in our region. This year’s program includes nine breakout sessions, extensive networking opportunities and a keynote from Cherian Koshy, author of NeuroGiving, exploring the psychology and science behind why people give. Kelly also highlights sessions focused on strengthening nonprofit boards, understanding more sophisticated charitable giving opportunities, and building the kinds of collaborative relationships that can help organizations create greater community impact. The day concludes with the Celebration of Generosity, recognizing the extraordinary giving, volunteering and community involvement taking place throughout the Sacramento region. Perhaps the biggest takeaway from our conversation is the importance of connection. The Summit has grown each year because people throughout the nonprofit and philanthropic community are looking for opportunities to meet one another, learn from one another and find new ways to work together. If you’re planning to attend, don’t wait too long. Previous Summits have sold out and generated waiting lists, and this year’s larger venue reflects just how much interest continues to grow. September 15 | 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | Cal Expo Get your Tickets HERE Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

  8. Aug 19

    Sierra Nevada Journeys Takes the Classroom Outdoors and Youth to Nature

    I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text... What happens when students who may have never seen a river, a deer or the Sierra's are given the chance to learn outside the four walls of a classroom? In this episode, I sit down with Sean Hill, CEO of Sierra Nevada Journeys, and Advancement Officer Corrie Calderon to talk about the life-changing power of outdoor education. Sierra Nevada Journeys is approaching 20 years of service and now reaches more than 30,000 youth annually through programs in Sacramento, Reno and at its Sierra Nevada outdoor education camp. Their mission is rooted in helping young people connect with nature, strengthen science literacy and build confidence through direct experience in the outdoors. Sean and Corrie share the memorable origin story behind the organization, sparked by a student at Lake Tahoe who asked, “Are there sharks in that ocean?” That moment revealed a larger truth: many children living close to extraordinary natural resources have never had the chance to experience them. We talk about their Classrooms Unleashed program, how they partner with schools and community organizations, and why they see outdoor learning as both an educational and equity issue. We also discuss Sierra Nevada Journeys’ funding model and the significance of protecting approximately 1,500 acres of Sierra Nevada land for future generations. Corrie shares a powerful story of a student who arrived on a field trip disengaged and resistant, only to leave transformed after encountering wildlife and discovering joy in the experience. Sean also shares the story of a former fifth-grade camper whose experience with Sierra Nevada Journeys may have helped shape her future academic path. This is a conversation about access, curiosity, stewardship and the very real impact that one experience in nature can have on a child’s life. Learn more at https://www.sierranevadajourneys.org/ Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Sierra Nevada Journeys 01:20 The origin story and the Lake Tahoe “ocean” moment 05:45 Making science accessible through outdoor learning 08:15 Programs, Classrooms Unleashed and camp experiences 11:35 School and community partnerships 16:20 Funding model and annual budget 18:40 Acquiring and protecting 1,500 acres 24:05 The blank check question: scholarships, staffing and future vision 27:20 Greatest need: access, transportation and affordability 30:00 Student success stories and long-term impact 39:35 Beyond the Mission with Sean Hill 44:15 How to support Sierra Nevada Journeys Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

    Sierra Nevada Journeys Takes the Classroom Outdoors and Youth to Nature
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About

The NonProfit Podcast network is a compilation of not for profit businesses, organizations and community entities that are invited to be interviewed on the podcast pro-bono, use the network to find like organizations doing great work in their communities and source a one-stop listening shop of exclusively non profit organizations. This outlet is meant to give each featured non profit an opportunity to tell their story in their words, giving listeners a better and more complete understanding of the mission, vision and values as well as clearly delineating who they serve and how they're funded. Our intent is for this network to become a useful tool in helping any non profit organization begin the journey to successfully telling their story though podcasting then using that podcast as a marketing tool to reinforce their current supporters, reach new potential donors and volunteers through an easily deployed podcast. Growing reach for awareness with the speed of digital, this is just one more opportunity to get their story told to more people faster. By doing so, we expect this process to further embed the organizations in their communities of service as a result of the simplicity of distribution, the nature of the content and the ease of access to learn more about them.You can visit the website at https://www.nonprofpod.com/

Information

  • Creator
    The NonProfit Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    183
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The NonProfit Podcast Network
  • Show Website
    The NonProfit Podcast Network

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