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 – https://www.givechariot.com

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox – https://www.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

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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 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!

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!