The NonProfit Podcast Network

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For nearly 50 years, the Sacramento LGBT Community Center has been a place of support, advocacy, and belonging for LGBTQ people throughout our region.

In this episode, I'm talking with CEO David Heitstuman to discuss the remarkable transformation of the organization during his 15-year journey—from a nonprofit struggling to survive with one employee and just $6,000 in the bank to a multi-million-dollar organization serving thousands through health, wellness, housing, workforce development, advocacy, and community-building programs.

We talk about Sacramento Pride, youth homelessness, mental health services, the Center's ambitious capital campaign, and the challenges LGBTQ organizations face in today's funding environment.

Most importantly, David shares a powerful vision for creating a region where all LGBTQ people can thrive—not just survive.

Whether you're interested in nonprofit leadership, community advocacy, social impact, or simply learning more about one of Sacramento's most influential organizations, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it takes to build lasting change.

In This Episode:

• The evolution of the Sacramento LGBT Community Center
 • Supporting LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness
 • Mental health, health services, and workforce development
 • Why Sacramento Pride is about more than celebration
 • Building a permanent home in Lavender Heights
 • Leadership lessons from a decade of growth
 • Current funding challenges facing LGBTQ nonprofits
 • How community members can support the mission

To learn more about the organization visit: LGBT Community Center

Chapters

00:00

Why Pride Matters More Than People Realize

02:00

Introducing the Sacramento LGBT Community Center

04:00

Programs That Support Health, Wellness, and Stability

08:00

The Growing Need for Youth Services

09:30

Collaboration Across the Community

11:00

From $6,000 in the Bank to a $7 Million Organization

15:30

The Impact of Sacramento Pride

19:00

Building a Permanent Home in Lavender Heights

23:00

What Unlimited Funding Could Make Possible

28:30

Navigating Today's Funding Challenges

32:00

The Center's Greatest Need Right Now

37:00

Getting to Know David Heitstuman

43:00

How You Can Support the Sacramento LGBT Community Center

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. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

The future of Sacramento's River District is taking shape, but an important challenge remains.

In this NewsPod update, I'm speaking with Sam Greenlee, CEO of Alchemist CDC, to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Alchemist Public Market project. After years of planning and more than $13 million secured in state and federal funding, construction is underway on what promises to be a transformative community asset for the region. 

The project will bring together a grocery market that accepts WIC and CalFresh, a commissary kitchen for emerging food entrepreneurs, restaurant incubation space, community gathering areas, and a weekly farmers market—all in a neighborhood currently classified as a food desert. 

While the project has secured its funding commitments, a reimbursement-based grant structure has created a short-term cash flow challenge. Sam shares how the community has already responded with more than $770,000 in loans and charitable support, allowing construction to continue while Alchemist works to secure approximately $1 million more in additional bridge funding. 

We discuss:

•  The vision behind the Alchemist Public Market 
•  Why the River District needs this project 
•  How reimbursement-based public grants create funding gaps 
•  Recent community support and progress 
•  Opportunities for donor-advised funds, foundations, and private lenders to help 
•  The economic and community impact this project will create for Sacramento 

This conversation provides important context for anyone interested in community development, food access, small business incubation, and the future of Sacramento's River District. 

Learn More:
For information about bridge funding opportunities or to support the project, contact:

•  Sam Greenlee: [email protected]
•  Shannin Stein: [email protected]
• To hear the original podcast with Sam and Shannin, listen HERE.

The Alchemist Public Market is under construction today. With the right support, it will be serving Sacramento residents by early 2027. If you, or a collective group might be able to help, please reach out. Let's get this project completed.

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. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

In this Nonprofit Podcast Network NewsPod, I talk, once again, with Kevin Burdick, Sustainable Community Partnership Specialist at SMUD, to discuss one of the region's most impactful funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations undertaking energy saving projects.

Celebrating its 10th year, the SHINE Awards help Sacramento-area nonprofits fund projects that support clean energy, sustainability, workforce development, STEM education, facility improvements, and community impact initiatives.

Kevin explains who is eligible, how the application process works, the support available through webinars and one-on-one assistance, and why now is the time to begin preparing your application.

If your organization serves Sacramento County, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

In This Episode:

•  What the SMUD Shine Awards program funds 
•  Who is eligible to apply 
•  Why nonprofits should start the process now 
•  Application support available from SMUD 
•  Common misconceptions about the application process 
•  Funding success rates and additional opportunities 
•  Key deadlines and resources 

Important Dates

📅 Application Window Open Now

📅 Applications Due: July 31

Resources

Learn more and apply:
 SMUD Shine Awards Program

Listen to our full SMUD Shine Awards overview episode from May, 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. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

Volunteers are often called the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations—and for good reason. They expand capacity, strengthen community connections, support events, and help organizations deliver on their mission every day.

Yet one of the most common challenges nonprofit leaders face is finding, managing, and retaining volunteers.

In this episode, I'm talking with Twyla Teitzle, Program Chair for DOVIA Sacramento (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies), to discuss the critical role volunteer engagement plays in nonprofit success and why volunteer management is far more complex than many realize.

Twyla shares how DOVIA has spent nearly 50 years supporting volunteer coordinators and nonprofit leaders through professional development, mentorship, networking, training, and resource sharing. She also discusses the changing landscape of volunteerism, the growing opportunities available through technology, and why organizations of every size can benefit from investing in volunteer engagement.

Whether you're an executive director, board member, volunteer coordinator, or someone looking to make a difference in your community, this conversation offers valuable insights into building stronger volunteer programs and stronger nonprofits.

Topics discussed include:

• Why volunteer engagement is a specialized profession
• The biggest challenges nonprofits face in recruiting volunteers
• Retaining and recognizing volunteers effectively
• How technology is changing volunteer recruitment
• The importance of volunteer coordinators
• Building relationships across the nonprofit sector
• Professional development for volunteer managers
• DOVIA's role in supporting nonprofits throughout the Sacramento region
• The future of volunteerism

To learn more about DOVIA Sacramento, visit www.doviasacramento.org. 

Email: [email protected] 

Call Twyla: 916-847-2893

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

01:05 What Is DOVIA?

03:00 Why Volunteer Coordination Is a Profession

05:10 Finding and Recruiting Volunteers Today

08:15 Building Community Through Volunteer Leaders

10:20 DOVIA's Training, Mentorship and Resources

12:05 The Untapped Power of Senior Volunteers

15:20 Retaining and Appreciating Volunteers

18:00 Why Volunteer Management Pays for Itself

22:00 The Volunteer Shortage Nonprofits Face

24:10 Corporate Volunteer Programs and Partnerships

26:30 DOVIA's Vision for the Future

30:15 The Importance of Awareness and Outreach

33:00 Getting to Know Twyla

37:00 How to Connect with DOVIA Sacramento

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. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

Golf may be the hook, but life skills are the mission.

In this episode, I sit down with Angie Dixon, CEO of First Tee – Greater Sacramento, to explore how an organization often associated with golf is actually helping shape the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and community changers.

Having started as a participant herself in 1983, Angie shares her remarkable journey from Little Linkers student to CEO, along with the organization's mission to reach young people from all backgrounds through character-building experiences, mentorship, and access to opportunities many families never knew existed.

We discuss First Tee's work in more than 120 schools, its partnerships throughout the region, specialized programs for girls and individuals with disabilities, and the life-changing impact that can occur when a young person is given confidence, support, and a chance to succeed.

Whether you're a golfer or have never picked up a club, this conversation highlights the powerful role nonprofits play in helping young people discover their potential.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why First Tee serves far more than aspiring golfers
• How the organization reaches more than 58,000 youth annually
• The importance of teaching confidence, communication, and leadership
• How First Tee creates access for underserved communities
• Why golf can be a uniquely powerful tool for personal development
• The inspiring success stories emerging from the program

Learn more about First Tee Greater Sacramento and discover ways to support their mission of building game changers throughout our community. Visit https://firstteesacramento.org/

Chapter Markers

•  00:00 Introduction & Angie Dixon's First Tee Journey 
•  03:00 Breaking Down Golf's Stereotypes 
•  04:30 Who First Tee Serves 
•  07:00 Programs Creating the Greatest Impact 
•  08:00 Competitive Golf & Junior Tour Opportunities 
•  10:00 Community Partnerships Across Sacramento 
•  12:00 Getting Kids Involved 
•  13:30 Measuring Impact Beyond Golf 
•  15:00 Success Stories That Inspire 
•  18:00 Funding the Mission 
•  21:00 What Greater Support Could Accomplish 
•  23:00 Life Skills, Leadership & Human Connection 
•  25:00 The Organization's Greatest Need 
•  27:00 Beyond the Mission with Angie Dixon 
•  30:00 How to Support First Tee 
•  31:00 Final Thoughts

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. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

For more than three decades, Animal Outreach has quietly become one of the region’s most important resources for affordable veterinary care, rescue services, and community animal welfare.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Board President Garry Saperstein and Operations Director Vickie Shapleton to talk about the organization’s remarkable growth, the overwhelming need for low-cost veterinary services, and the life-saving work happening every single day behind the scenes.

From trap-neuter-return programs and foster networks to helping unhoused pet owners care for their animals, Animal Outreach is addressing challenges many people never even realize exist. In 2025 alone, the organization completed more than 7,600 spay and neuter surgeries, administered thousands of vaccinations and microchips, and rescued more than 1,600 cats.

We also discuss the organization’s exciting next chapter: a newly purchased 11,000-square-foot facility that will nearly double their capacity and dramatically expand access to affordable veterinary care throughout the region.

This conversation highlights the reality of animal welfare in our communities, the volunteers who make this work possible, and why the need for support has never been greater.

Topics Include:

• The growing demand for low-cost veterinary care
• How Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs work
• “Kitten season” and the overwhelming surge in rescues
• Helping unhoused and low-income pet owners
• The role volunteers and foster families play
• Animal Outreach’s major expansion project
• The future of animal welfare services in the Sacramento region

To learn more or support Animal Outreach, visit:
Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode

Chapter Overview

00:00 – Welcome to Animal Outreach
 How a conversation nearly a year in the making finally comes together.

03:00 – Affordable Veterinary Care & Community Need
 Why low-cost spay, neuter, dental, and wellness services matter more than ever.

05:00 – “Kitten Season” and the Rescue Crisis
 The shocking reality behind exploding kitten populations and overwhelmed foster networks.

07:15 – Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) Explained
 How Animal Outreach manages feral cat colonies and prevents uncontrolled growth.

10:00 – Helping Unhoused & Low-Income Pet Owners
 Why pets are family — and how the organization supports vulnerable community members.

13:00 – Adoption Centers & Volunteer Power
 The partnerships, foster families, and volunteers that keep the mission moving forward.

17:00 – A Major Expansion for the Future
 Inside the new 11,000-square-foot facility and what it means for regional animal care.

21:00 – The Fundraising Challenge
 Building a $2.5–$3 million expansion through grants, donations, and community support.

24:00 – Measuring the Real Impact
 More than 7,600 spay/neuter surgeries and the unseen impact on the region.

28:00 – Personal Stories, Passion & Final Thoughts
 The human side of rescue work and why this mission never really stops.

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. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

In this urgent NonProfit NewsPod episode, I’m joined by Joe Barr, Executive Director of Access Sacramento, to discuss a critical funding issue that could dramatically impact one of Sacramento’s most important community media and workforce development organizations.

For more than two decades, Access Sacramento has provided affordable media training, podcasting and filmmaking education, workforce development opportunities, and public access to professional-grade production equipment for people across the Sacramento region. From aspiring filmmakers and podcasters to nonprofits and community storytellers, Access Sacramento has become a vital resource for creative expression, workforce readiness, and local voices.

But now, the organization faces potentially devastating budget cuts tied to declining cable revenue and decisions being considered by the local Cable Commission. Joe explains why these cuts could threaten programs that empower community members, support nonprofit storytelling, and provide affordable pathways into media careers.

We discuss:

•  How Access Sacramento trains future creators and media professionals 
•  The impact of “A Place Called Sacramento,” their long-running filmmaking incubator 
•  Why community media access still matters more than ever 
•  The changing landscape of cable funding and public access television 
•  What’s at stake for Sacramento nonprofits, youth programs, and local storytelling 
•  Why community action before the June 4 meeting is so important 

Joe also shares how listeners can get involved, contact decision-makers, and support the future of community media in Sacramento.

To learn more or take action, visit:
 Access Sacramento

This episode serves as a timely call to action for anyone who values local storytelling, workforce development, media access, and community empowerment.

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. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way organizations operate — but for many nonprofit leaders, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. In this timely NonProfit NewsPod, I’m joined by Brad Squire, CEO of Sacramento Venture Philanthropy, to discuss the launch of “AI for Good,” an initiative designed to help nonprofits and community leaders better understand and apply AI in practical, mission-driven ways.

Brad shares insights from a recent community mixer that brought together nonprofit professionals, business leaders, and technologists to explore how AI can support nonprofit capacity building, improve operational efficiencies, and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

We discuss:

•  Why nonprofits are both excited and intimidated by AI 
•  The importance of creating community around learning new technology 
•  How AI can help organizations operate more efficiently with limited resources 
•  The new AI for Good workshop series launching in May, June, and July 
•  Real-world nonprofit examples already using custom AI tools and applications 
•  Upcoming hackathons designed to build practical AI solutions for local nonprofits 

The workshop series includes AI 101, 201, and 301 courses designed for all experience levels — from complete beginners to those interested in building AI-powered workflows and applications.

Brad also explains how Sacramento and Rancho Cordova are positioning themselves as emerging leaders in AI innovation and why now is the time for nonprofit organizations to begin engaging with these tools.

Learn more and register for the workshops at:
 SVP Sacramento AI for Good

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. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

In this episode I sit down with April Javist, Executive Director of the Sacramento Literacy Foundation, for one of the most important conversations we’ve had about the future of our communities. What begins as a discussion about reading quickly becomes a much deeper exploration into education, poverty, mental health, workforce readiness, civic participation, and the long-term impact literacy has on every aspect of society.

April shares the startling reality that more children today are NOT reading at grade level than are — and why third-grade reading proficiency is one of the strongest indicators of future success. We discuss the growing Science of Reading movement, why culturally relevant books matter for children, and how Sacramento Literacy Foundation is working directly with schools, families, and community partners to improve literacy outcomes across the region.

The conversation also explores accountability in education, the success Mississippi has seen through literacy reform, and why literacy may truly be the foundation for solving many of society’s biggest challenges. Along the way, April shares powerful stories from the field that highlight how something as simple as putting the right book into a child’s hands can change confidence, connection, and even the trajectory of a life.

This is a passionate, emotional, and hopeful conversation about what becomes possible when communities decide every child deserves the opportunity to read, learn, and fully participate in society.

Learn more about Sacramento Literacy Foundation:

Sacramento Literacy Foundation

Call: 916-836-3540

Email April: [email protected]

Instagram:
@sacliteracyfoundation

LinkedIn:
Sacramento Literacy Foundation LinkedIn

Chapters

00:00 – Why Literacy Matters More Than Ever
03:08 – How Sacramento Literacy Foundation Began
05:02 – The Importance of Culturally Relevant Books
06:18 – Why Third Grade Reading Levels Matter
09:10 – The Science of Reading Explained
15:02 – The Literacy Data Behind Sacramento Schools
18:05 – How Communities Can Improve Reading Outcomes
20:05 – Partnerships, Advocacy & School Collaboration
27:58 – April’s Big Vision for Literacy Reform
33:10 – Why Reading Is a Revolution
39:05 – The Story That Changed Everything

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. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

The Shine Awards are returning for another year, and now is the time for nonprofits to start preparing before the application window opens.

In this NonProfit Podcast NewsPod, I sit down with Kevin Burdick, Sustainable Community Partnership Specialist at SMUD, to discuss how the Shine Awards help nonprofits across Sacramento County access funding for projects tied to clean energy, sustainability, operational efficiency, and community impact. 

With awards ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, the Shine Awards have already distributed more than half a million dollars annually to local organizations working to improve their facilities, reduce energy costs, increase capacity, and better serve their communities. 

We discuss:

•  What types of nonprofits qualify 
•  The June 1 – July 31 application timeline 
•  Why organizations should start preparing now 
•  Pre-application workshops and informational webinars 
•  Examples of successful Shine-funded projects 
•  Matching fund requirements 
•  How SMUD evaluates applications 
•  Collaboration opportunities between nonprofits 
•  Language accessibility and application support 

Kevin also shares why early preparation matters and how organizations that participate in workshops and planning sessions often submit stronger, more competitive applications. 

If your nonprofit serves Sacramento County and has been considering ways to reduce operating expenses, improve facilities, or expand impact through sustainable projects, this episode is packed with practical insight to help you get started.

Learn more about the Shine Awards at: https://www.smud.org/Corporate/Landing/Sustainable-Communities/Shine-awards

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.