Jeff Schreifels

As year-end fundraising pressures mount, it’s more important than ever for nonprofits to adopt effective, donor-centered strategies. In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes Jeff Schreifels, Principal and Owner of Veritus Group—a global consulting agency focused on major and mid-level gift strategies. Jeff shares his proven insights into how organizations can build long-term sustainability by investing in relationships and shifting their fundraising mindset.

Jeff introduces the concept of “permission-based asking,” a transformational approach that empowers fundraisers to confidently and authentically engage donors. He outlines how social impact leaders can create meaningful connections, adopt a holistic donor journey, and overcome common barriers within siloed fundraising structures.

Key Topics Include:

Why economic uncertainty requires nonprofits to double down—not cut back—on fundraising investment

The power of relationship-centered fundraising to drive long-term revenue growth

A step-by-step breakdown of the “permission ask” approach and how it changes the donor conversation

How to create donor-centered KPIs that unify departments and break down fundraising silos

Strategies for building sustainable major and planned gift programs, even during crises

Practical ways to engage volunteers and staff in accountable, effective fundraising roles

The importance of viewing donors as part of your mission—not just as sources of revenue

Mentioned in This Episode:

Veritus Group: https://veritusgroup.com/

“The Generosity Crisis” by Brian Crimmins

This Episode is Sponsored By:

DonorBox: https://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 [email protected]

Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Dr. Kurt Ver Beek

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Dr. Kurt Ver Beek — longtime sociologist, adjunct professor at Calvin University, and co‑founder of the Honduran‑based nonprofit Association for a More Just Society (ASJ). Kurt has lived in Honduras for 30 + years and helps lead ASJ’s mission of advancing justice through structural reform rather than simply charity. Their discussion explores how nonprofits can transition from short‑term relief approaches to tackling systemic issues, particularly in contexts of high violence, corruption, and migration.

Key Topics Include:

The motivation behind founding ASJ in Honduras and shifting focus from relief to justice‑oriented work.

The four‑part strategy ASJ employs: investigation, alliance building, communications, and lobbying/incidence.

Real‑world examples from Honduras: tackling police corruption, reducing homicide rates, auditing government institutions.

Navigating donor expectations when working on long‑term systemic change rather than immediate tangible outcomes.

Insights on the migration‑to‑the‑U.S. debate: root causes in origin countries like Honduras, and how systems reform might reduce migration pressures.

Reflections on international aid: what works, what doesn’t, and how U.S. federal funding cuts are reshaping NGOs’ strategies.

The distinction between charity (relief), development (capacity building) and justice (systemic transformation) — and why justice work is harder, riskier, but essential.

Mentioned in This Episode:

ASJ Website: https://asj-us.org

Book: Call for Justice by Kurt Ver Beek & Nicholas Wolterstorff.

Book: Bear Witness: The Pursuit of Justice in a Violent Land by Ross Halpern

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 [email protected]

Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

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!

In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter reconnects with Larissa "Larz" May, founder of the nonprofit #HalfTheStory and the newly launched for-profit social enterprise Ginko. Larissa returns to the show three years after her initial appearance to share her incredible growth journey—one that has seen her organization gain the backing of influential figures like Oprah Winfrey and Melinda French Gates, and collaborate with foundations and government leaders.

Born out of Larissa's personal experience with mental health struggles exacerbated by social media, #HalfTheStory is dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital wellness activists. She shares how her nonprofit has grown, the importance of storytelling, and her recent launch of Ginko, the first clinician-backed, trusted AI for families with kids ages 6-14 years old, helping parents navigate screen time, social media, and online safety with peace of mind.

Key Topics Include:

Larissa May’s personal story and the founding of #HalfTheStory as a response to a digital mental health crisis.

The innovative use of storytelling and cultural relevance to grow a nonprofit from the ground up.

How #HalfTheStory scaled through partnerships with organizations like Girls Inc. and support from major philanthropists.

The launch of Ginko, the 24/7 guide for raising kids online.

The evolving role of nonprofits in the AI era and the importance of integrating tech with emotional intelligence.

Practical insights for nonprofit leaders on impact measurement, fundraising strategy, and maintaining a competitive edge.

Larissa’s call for changing the capital flow in the nonprofit sector and her vision for supporting future social impact entrepreneurs.

Mentioned in This Episode:

#HalfTheStory: https://halfthestoryproject.org

Ginko: https://www.heyginko.com

Girls Inc.: https://girlsinc.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 [email protected]

Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Monika Bauerlein

In this compelling episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with veteran journalist Monika Bauerlein, CEO of the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR), to explore whether transitioning to a nonprofit model could be the key to survival for today's embattled media organizations. With a rich background that includes leading the nonprofit news outlet Mother Jones and overseeing its merger with CIR, Monika provides unique insights into the structural challenges and opportunities within modern journalism.

Monika discusses the historical context of nonprofit journalism, highlights the advantages of merging nonprofit entities, and outlines practical strategies for how social impact organizations can effectively partner with media outlets. She also dives deep into leadership lessons, fundraising tips, and the importance of storytelling in advocacy. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or simply concerned about the future of journalism, this episode delivers essential guidance and thought-provoking ideas.

Key Topics Include:

The origin and evolution of nonprofit journalism, including the story of Mother Jones’ early challenges with the IRS

Why more media organizations are adopting the nonprofit model in response to collapsing ad revenues and political pressures

Insights from the successful merger of Mother Jones and the Center for Investigative Reporting

Leadership lessons for nonprofit CEOs, including overcoming imposter syndrome and building strong, complementary teams

Strategies for social impact organizations to work with media outlets and tell their stories more effectively

How the CIR is helping other nonprofits with back-end support services through its new initiative, CIR Media Services

The future outlook for journalism and the nonprofit model’s role in preserving investigative reporting

Mentioned in This Episode:

Mother Jones

This Episode is Sponsored By:

DonorBox 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

Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel

Suggestions for the show? Email us at [email protected]

Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

In this insightful episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with healthcare leadership experts Kurt Mosley and Neill Marshall to explore why a leader’s first 90 days are pivotal to their long-term success. Drawing from decades of experience interviewing and placing thousands of healthcare executives, Kurt and Neill share powerful stories and actionable strategies that can benefit nonprofit leaders across all sectors.

From cultural missteps to missed early wins, the guests reveal that a leader's early actions—or inactions—can define their credibility, influence, and effectiveness. They also share highlights from their popular “90-Day Series,” which provides a playbook for leaders navigating the critical first months in a new role. This episode is packed with practical wisdom and memorable anecdotes that drive home the importance of intentional leadership during transitions.

Key Topics Include:

-Why the first 90 days are critical for new leaders in any sector

-Common pitfalls like moving too fast or misreading an organization’s culture

-How listening and humility establish credibility early on

-The role of symbolic actions in building trust and shaping culture

-The importance of community engagement and external relationship-building

-Advice for boards and search committees on supporting executive transitions

-Memorable real-life stories that illustrate what to do—and what not to do

Mentioned in This Episode:

HealthSearch Partners

Connect with Kurt Mosley and Neill Marshall on LinkedIn

This Episode is Sponsored By:

DonorBox – 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

Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel

Suggestions for the show? Email us at [email protected]

Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Jill Vorndran

In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Jill Vorndran, Chief Development Officer at Covenant House International, to explore a transformative approach to fundraising. Jill shares her unique perspective of using fundraising not just as a revenue tool but as a powerful bridge-builder—connecting generations, perspectives, and communities around a shared mission. With more than 20 years of development experience, Jill offers practical strategies and insightful leadership lessons that nonprofit professionals can apply right away.

As we head into the critical fourth quarter of the year, Jill and Rob dive into the essential components of successful year-end giving campaigns, how to retain top fundraising talent, and how to ensure every supporter has a positive, seamless giving experience. Whether you're a seasoned development officer or just starting your nonprofit journey, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples to elevate your fundraising game.

Key Topics Include:

How fundraising can serve as a unifying force across diverse donor groups

Strategies for supporting CEOs in fundraising through targeted preparation and stewardship

Tips for donor retention and building long-term relationships through meaningful engagement

Building a culture of celebration to retain and motivate development staff

Maximizing year-end giving through monthly gifts, personalized donor calendars, and donor-friendly tech

The importance of hiring smart and building a pipeline of younger fundraisers for long-term success

How to use donor data to drive accountability and refine fundraising strategy

Mentioned in This Episode:

Jill Vorndran on LinkedIn

Learn more about Covenant House: covenanthouse.org

This Episode is Sponsored By:

DonorBox: 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

Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel

Suggestions for the show? Email us at [email protected]

Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Betsy Cooper

In this episode, host Rob Harter talks with Betsy Cooper of the Aspen Policy Academy / Aspen Institute about how nonprofit and social impact leaders can channel their passion for social change into tangible policy influence. They explore the balance between advocacy and legal constraints for nonprofits, the six‑step process for developing policy influence, and real examples of how ideas become implemented policy. They also dive into the skills, tools, and strategies needed to make lasting change, including how AI is beginning to intersect with civic engagement and government.

Betsy shares frameworks that help translate mission-driven ideas into practical policy proposals, stakeholder strategies, communication approaches, and implementation plans. The conversation is rich with concrete advice for practitioners who want to move beyond service to shape the rules that influence systems.

Key Topics Include:

The six‑step policy impact process: defining, researching, solution design, stakeholder mapping, advocacy, execution

Guardrails and legal constraints for nonprofit advocacy, and how to engage responsibly

The role of tools like policy memos, briefs, redlined texts, and operational plans in influencing decision‑makers

Core skills for change makers: strategy, communication, stakeholder mapping

Integrating policy engagement into social innovation and how it often becomes the missing lever

Examples of successful transitions from idea to policy (e.g. Aspen fellows influencing Utah’s data center water usage rules)

Emerging intersections of AI with government, public policy, and nonprofit advocacy

Mentioned in This Episode:

Aspen Policy Academy

Boulder Advocacy

Rising Civic AI Leaders

Aspen Tech Policy Hub

This Episode is Sponsored By:

DonorBox: 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

Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel

Suggestions for the show? Email us at [email protected]

Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Edgar Sandoval Sr., President and CEO of World Vision US, during a visit to Rwanda.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Edgar Sandoval, President and CEO of World Vision, one of the largest international humanitarian organizations in the world. With 75 years of impact across 60 countries, World Vision is now launching its most ambitious initiative yet—an effort to empower 300 million people by 2030 through access to clean water, education, livelihoods, and Christian discipleship.

Amid increasing global needs and significant U.S. funding cuts, Edgar discusses how World Vision is navigating the changing humanitarian landscape, maintaining staff motivation, and reshaping the narrative around international aid. He shares proven strategies and personal leadership lessons that are both practical and deeply inspiring for nonprofit leaders striving to create lasting change.

Key Topics Include:

How World Vision is addressing the growing global funding gap while expanding its impact

The “lie of futility” and how World Vision uses data and storytelling to restore hope and trust

Details on World Vision’s new campaign to reach 300 million people by 2030

How strategic partnerships, including with governments and local communities, drive scalability

Practical leadership advice for managing teams during crises, including the “Believe, Belong, Become” mantra

Why clarity of mission is the key to effective pivoting and preventing mission drift

The role of grace, communication, and storytelling in leading through uncertainty

Mentioned in This Episode:

World Vision:

This Episode is Sponsored By:

DonorBox: Click here for more information

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 [email protected]

Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Sam Fankuchen

In this compelling episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter sits down with Sam Fankuchen, the CEO and founder of Golden, a volunteer and donor engagement platform revolutionizing the way nonprofits operate. Sam shares how a deeply personal brush with tragedy on 9/11 catalyzed his mission to make volunteering more accessible and meaningful for everyone. Drawing on his extensive experience and graduate research, Sam explains how Golden helps nonprofits turn one-time volunteers into lifelong donors through cutting-edge technology, automation, and ethical AI practices.

This episode dives deep into the intersection of civic tech, volunteerism, and AI—raising the timely question: Can technology actually deepen empathy and human connection in the nonprofit space? Sam offers powerful insights into how technology can be used not to replace people, but to augment the good work nonprofits are already doing—especially in high-stakes situations like disaster relief. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, development officer, or someone curious about the future of social impact, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

Key Topics Include:

Sam Fankuchen’s moving personal story that led to the founding of Golden

How Golden uses AI and analytics to convert volunteers into donors

The importance of storytelling and human-centered design in volunteer programs

Why disaster relief offers valuable lessons for everyday nonprofit operations

The ethical considerations and real-world applications of AI in the nonprofit sector

The importance of cross-sector collaboration between nonprofits, government, and private sector

How nonprofits can adopt tech tools to reduce administrative burden and boost impact

Mentioned in This Episode:

Golden: https://www.goldenvolunteer.com

Golden donates $500M in Volunteer Management Software: Read here

This Episode is Sponsored By:

DonorBox: 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

Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel

Suggestions for the show? Email us at [email protected]

Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Jill Koski

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Rob Harter is joined by Jill Koski, President and CEO of the Morton Arboretum, a leading environmental nonprofit located just outside of Chicago. Jill shares her deeply personal and inspiring leadership journey, from her early beginnings in arts and culture to ultimately leading one of the nation's most respected arboreta. She talks about the pivotal experiences, tough decisions, and key leadership lessons that shaped her path—including leaving her hometown to take on her first CEO role and then returning home to lead the Morton Arboretum during its centennial.

Jill also reflects on what it means to lead with passion and purpose, the importance of building sustainable systems, and why the ability to say “no” may be one of the most vital leadership skills for nonprofit executives today. Her insights are both practical and inspiring for any leader working in the nonprofit or social impact space.

Key Topics Include:

Jill Koski’s unique journey from the arts to environmental nonprofit leadership

Lessons learned from setbacks and “not being picked” for opportunities

How systems, structure, and white space support long-term leadership growth

The value of saying “no” and creating opportunities for team growth

Balancing leadership strengths while managing areas outside your expertise

The long-term commitment required for meaningful community engagement

Leading an organization into its next century of impact

Mentioned in This Episode:

Visit the Morton Arboretum: MortonArb.org

Connect with Jill Koski on LinkedIn

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Donorbox: 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

Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel

Suggestions for the show? Email us at [email protected]

Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at [email protected]

Subscribe and ShareListen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!