In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Suzanne Ehlers, Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR (the fundraising partner of the UN Refugee Agency), to explore how women are reshaping philanthropy—and how nonprofits can better design giving models that reflect who is actually driving decisions. Suzanne shares why traditional fundraising approaches often haven’t been built with women at the center, even though women influence the vast majority of giving decisions and are poised to inherit a significant portion of global wealth. (UNHCR)

Suzanne also unpacks USA for UNHCR’s women-led campaign, Building Better Futures, a $15M initiative that supports refugee women through higher-education scholarships via UNHCR’s DAFI program. Together, Rob and Suzanne discuss how relationship-based philanthropy, authentic storytelling, and flexible program delivery can create deeper donor engagement and more durable impact for refugee women and girls. (UNHCR)

Key Topics Include:

• Why philanthropy models must evolve to match who drives giving decisions—and why women’s leadership in giving matters
• How Building Better Futures centers women “soup to nuts”: donor voice, decision-making, and impact priorities
• The power shift from transactional fundraising to relationship-driven philanthropy and shared purpose
• How USA for UNHCR is helping sustain and expand the DAFI Scholarship Programme for refugee higher education
• Closing the gender gap in refugee education by intentionally prioritizing women scholars
• Storytelling that’s “by and for” women—using authentic refugee voices to inspire action
• Why flexibility (host-country study, support systems, and virtual options) is essential for education programs in refugee contexts

Mentioned in This Episode:

• USA for UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency fundraising partner): https://www.unrefugees.org
• Building Better Futures campaign: https://www.unrefugees.org/building-better-futures/
• UNHCR’s DAFI Tertiary Scholarship Programme: https://www.unhcr.org/us/what-we-do/build-better-futures/education/higher-education-and-skills/dafi-tertiary-scholarship-0
• Suzanne Ehlers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-ehlers
• Not Really Strangers Podcast https://www.unrefugees.org/not-really-strangers-podcast/ (UNHCR)

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 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 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

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

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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!

In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Dan Pallotta—renowned author, TED Talk speaker, and social impact provocateur—to discuss what it really takes to solve the world’s biggest problems. Known for challenging the status quo in the nonprofit sector, Dan pushes listeners to think beyond conventional limitations, urging nonprofit leaders and donors alike to reimagine what’s possible when we truly embrace bold, audacious goals.

Dan unpacks his groundbreaking fundraising innovations, including the AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Day Walks, and dives into key themes from his recent documentary Uncharitable. He emphasizes that nonprofits need to stop playing it safe and start empowering people to explore their own heroism—whether it’s through higher-risk initiatives or rethinking how we define overhead and impact. This episode will inspire you to challenge outdated assumptions and push your organization to dream—and do—bigger.

Key Topics Include:

• The origin and impact of Dan’s fundraising innovations, including the AIDS Rides and Breast Cancer 3-Day events
• Why nonprofits must reframe how they view overhead, salaries, and investments
• The danger of playing it safe: how fear of failure stifles nonprofit innovation
• Exploring the concept of fundraising as a path to individual heroism
• Why bold, time-bound goals are essential for real social impact
• The importance of capital investment and risk-taking in the nonprofit sector
• Insights from the Uncharitable documentary and how it’s shifting donor mindsets

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Dan Pallotta’s Website: DanPallotta.com
• Watch Uncharitable: UncharitableMovie.com
• The Audacious Project: audaciousproject.org
• No Kid Hungry: nokidhungry.org
• Social Current: social-current.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 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!

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter is joined by Julia Campbell, a renowned nonprofit strategist and host of the Nonprofit Nation podcast. With over 20 years in the field, Julia shares the latest data-backed fundraising trends shaping 2026 and what nonprofits can do to thrive amidst economic shifts and evolving donor expectations.

Julia emphasizes the growing importance of recurring giving programs, the need for intentional donor communication, and why many nonprofits are leaving billions on the table. She also dives into the impact of generational wealth transfer, how AI and technology can support donor engagement, and how storytelling—not just data—can move donors to action. Tune in to learn innovative approaches, digital strategies, and the mindset shifts nonprofit leaders need to succeed in today’s changing landscape.

Key Topics Include:

• Why recurring giving is essential in a subscription-based world
• How nonprofits are unintentionally losing out on $52 billion in potential donations
• The myth of donor fatigue—and what donors are really tired of
• Storytelling strategies that drive donor engagement and retention
• Effective use of AI for content repurposing and personalized communication
• Innovative fundraising tactics using SMS, Facebook DMs, and short-form video
• How to connect with Gen Z and millennial donors through mission-focused social content

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Julia Campbell’s Website: jcsocialmarketing.com
• Julia’s Podcast: Nonprofit Nation Podcast
• GivingTuesday Data Commons: givingtuesday.org/data
• Plummer Youth Promise: plummeryouthpromise.org
• Amirah, Inc.: amirahinc.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 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!

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter sits down with Elizabeth “Betsy” Schmidt, senior research fellow at the University of Massachusetts and author of the new book Rules of the Road for Nonprofit Leaders. Betsy brings her decades of experience in public policy and nonprofit law to the table to demystify complex legal frameworks and help leaders leverage the law to support their mission.

Together, Rob and Betsy explore the often misunderstood legal and ethical responsibilities of nonprofit leaders. From navigating political activity and advocacy to understanding the distinctions between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, this episode offers practical and empowering guidance for social impact organizations seeking to remain compliant and mission-focused in an evolving landscape.

Key Topics Include:

• The difference between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, and when to consider forming a C4
• Legal boundaries for nonprofit advocacy, lobbying, and political activity
• How staying true to your mission often ensures legal compliance
• Best practices for nonprofit governance, financial oversight, and ethics
• How federal and state-level regulations are shifting and what to watch for in 2026
• Common legal pitfalls nonprofits face and how to avoid them
• Resources and tools for staying up to date with nonprofit law

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Rules of the Road for Nonprofit Leaders (Georgetown University Press)
• NonprofitRules.com
• Bookshop.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 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!

Rob speaks with Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, a nonprofit that has been at the forefront of providing safe, dignified, and inclusive care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Stack shares his personal journey that led him into this field, beginning with volunteering as a young seminarian and evolving into decades of nonprofit leadership.

Robert offers eye-opening insights into the challenges and injustices still facing the disability care sector—from exploitative practices by private equity firms to deeply flawed state-run institutions. He also outlines Community Options’ impactful approach: prioritizing person-centered care, scaling nonprofit services responsibly, and advocating for inclusive employment that uplifts people with disabilities. His book, Silent No Longer, is a call to action for society to demand dignity and rights for all individuals, regardless of ability.

Key Topics Include:

• The negative impact of private equity investment in disability care services
• How state-run institutions often prioritize employment over quality care
• The injustice of sub-minimum wages and legal aversion therapies still used in some states
• The importance of inclusive employment and its social benefits for individuals with disabilities
• Community Options’ approach to personalized care and their growth across 12 states
• Why mentorship and dignity-driven programming lead to better outcomes
• What Robert Stack hopes readers take away from his book Silent No Longer

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Community Options
• RobertStack.org
• Silent No Longer (Book)

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!