Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin

Eskin Fundraising Training

Our goal is to salute the stories of Non-Profit North Stars who energize your organizations with genuine purpose and have a gift to keep your organization moving in the right and uplifting direction of its noble mission. The focus is on unsung heroes. We cherish those who make large donations that empower philanthropy to thrive, but in this instance, we are looking for your suggestions on those who make a difference in their communities more by their service, commitment and leadership to the rich missions in the non-profit sector that touch, improve and save more lives. Please provide the information requested below and we will follow up with your nominees and make appropriate selections. A priority is to highlight truly a diverse cross-section of men and women who fuel the aspirations and achievements of non-profits from different sectors and all different parts of the country. Nominees may be professional staff, board members, volunteers, donors or others who propel the mission of the non-profit forward by their inspiring examples. We will be announcing selections and sharing podcast interviews through our monthly e-newsletter and other Constant Contact communications, plus social media.

  1. FEB 2

    25. Sports Leadership Synergy with Angela R. Lewis

    Angela R. Lewis is a former professional basketball player, author, entrepreneur and leadership coach. Standing 6'1" since age 12, Angela knows what it's like to stand out and find your place in the world. With over 1,000 points scored in both high school and college, professional experience overseas, and having coached more than 500 athletes, Angela brings authentic experience to her storytelling. She is the author of The Game Changing Assist: Six Simple Ways to Choose Success, Post Moves: The Female Athlete's Guide to Dominate Life After College, and A Ball and A Chance, a children's book that celebrates confidence, culture, and courage through sport. Angela also demonstrates her passion as Head of Customer Success at SpeakerHUB, a platform that allows leaders to increase visibility through podcasts, press and speaking engagements.  Angela is the creator of the 6V Leadership System for Athletes — a framework designed to help athletes grow from the valley to victory by strengthening their voice, vision, values, and more. She helps teams and individuals develop the mindset needed to be successful. From the hardwood courts of college and professional basketball to global teams her journey has always centered on leadership, connection, and impact.  As a former athlete and coach, she learned how to lead under pressure, build trust, and inspire performance. Those lessons became the foundation for every role she's played — whether training athletes to communicate with confidence, building partnerships that strengthen communities, or launching businesses that help others amplify their voice. In the non-profit sector, she has led more than 20 strategic partnerships with schools, corporations, and community organizations, creating programs that deliver measurable outcomes for youth and emerging leaders. For More Episodes, visit: www.jimeskinshow.com

    21 min
  2. 07/29/2025

    20. Cody Knowlton: Grantmaking with Purpose—Funding Health, Faith & Community

    In this inspiring episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we spotlight Cody Knowlton, President and CEO of the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio. Since 2012, Cody has led the foundation in awarding grants to nearly 100 nonprofits annually, impacting healthcare, food security, and faith-based initiatives. With a background in higher education fundraising, Cody brings a unique perspective on both sides of philanthropy—soliciting and granting funds. He shares insights into the challenges of fundraising, the foundation's most impactful grants, and how faith and strategy drive their mission. Key Takeaways: Fundraising vs. Grantmaking: Cody reflects on his years in fundraising and grantmaking, explaining why soliciting gifts is often more challenging than deciding who receives funding. ✅ The Power of Strategic Giving: The foundation has awarded over $100 million in grants while growing its endowment from $150M to $270M, showing the impact of responsible financial stewardship. ✅ Transformative Grants: Learn about the foundation's first $1M grant to UT Health's Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's, setting a precedent for high-impact giving. ✅ Faith as a Guiding Principle: The foundation's mission is deeply rooted in faith, ensuring their work supports not just health initiatives but also the greater good of the community. Tune in to hear how Cody and the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio are making a lasting difference, one grant at a time.

    24 min
  3. 07/14/2025

    19. Legacy, Leadership, and Loyalty: Larry Kosow's Dedication to BU and Nonprofit Excellence

    In this episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we spotlight Larry Kosow, Principal and Treasurer of Venture Tape, whose lifelong passion for philanthropy and Boston University has shaped his extraordinary journey. A dedicated BU alumnus with a deep family legacy at the university, Larry has played a pivotal role in supporting BU's storied hockey program, including funding the university's TV broadcast booth in memory of his father. Larry shares the story of his family's immigration, perseverance, and entrepreneurial success—how his grandfather's journey through Ellis Island and his father's service in World War II led to a deep-rooted commitment to education and philanthropy. He also dives into his love for BU hockey, his involvement with the Friends of BU Hockey, and how sports became a bridge between his family's values and his philanthropic efforts. Key Takeaways: ✅ Family Legacy & Philanthropy – How generational values shaped Larry's commitment to giving back. ✅ The Power of Education – The impact of BU on Larry's life and why he continues to support its programs. ✅ Building Community Through Sports – How Larry's involvement in BU hockey helped forge a lasting legacy. ✅ Lessons in Business & Nonprofits – Insights from Larry's entrepreneurial journey and how they translate to nonprofit success. ✅ Giving Back With Purpose – The importance of philanthropy in creating lasting change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and the power of community.

    45 min
  4. 06/29/2025

    18. Guiding Nonprofits with Data-Driven Insights: A Conversation with Dr. Susan Korbel

    In this episode of Non-Profit North Stars, host Jim Eskin sits down with Dr. Susan Korbel, founder of Core Research, to discuss the crucial role market research plays in the nonprofit sector. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Korbel has helped countless organizations—both public and private—make informed decisions that maximize their impact. From strategic planning to feasibility studies, she shares how nonprofits can apply research to stretch their resources and better fulfill their missions. This insightful conversation sheds light on how nonprofits can leverage data to navigate today's challenges, optimize fundraising efforts, and drive meaningful change. Key Takeaways: Research Fuels Impact – Nonprofits benefit from data-driven decisions just as much as for-profit businesses, particularly in strategic planning and fundraising. Measuring Success Can Be Complex – Unlike for-profit organizations that focus on financial ROI, nonprofits must evaluate mission-driven outcomes, which can be harder to quantify. Stretching Resources is Essential – With limited funding, nonprofits must maximize every dollar, making market research an invaluable tool for effective decision-making. Women in Leadership – Dr. Korbel shares her journey as a female entrepreneur and the importance of mentoring other women in business. The Power of Collaboration – Research and fundraising go hand in hand, and strong partnerships between researchers and nonprofit leaders can enhance long-term sustainability. Tune in to hear how nonprofits can make smarter, more strategic choices in a world where every decision matters.

    23 min

Ratings & Reviews

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About

Our goal is to salute the stories of Non-Profit North Stars who energize your organizations with genuine purpose and have a gift to keep your organization moving in the right and uplifting direction of its noble mission. The focus is on unsung heroes. We cherish those who make large donations that empower philanthropy to thrive, but in this instance, we are looking for your suggestions on those who make a difference in their communities more by their service, commitment and leadership to the rich missions in the non-profit sector that touch, improve and save more lives. Please provide the information requested below and we will follow up with your nominees and make appropriate selections. A priority is to highlight truly a diverse cross-section of men and women who fuel the aspirations and achievements of non-profits from different sectors and all different parts of the country. Nominees may be professional staff, board members, volunteers, donors or others who propel the mission of the non-profit forward by their inspiring examples. We will be announcing selections and sharing podcast interviews through our monthly e-newsletter and other Constant Contact communications, plus social media.