Imani Ellis has always believed community is a superpower. What began as a small gathering in her Harlem apartment grew into The Creative Collective NYC and CultureCon — one of the largest conferences celebrating creators of color. But behind the highlight reels and celebrity speakers, Imani’s journey has been defined by burnout, bold leaps and learning when to pause. In this episode, Ben and Kathleen sit down with Imani and explore what it takes to transform a passion project into a cultural movement. From balancing a demanding career at NBCUniversal with late-night CultureCon planning, to walking away from work at the height of burnout for a self-designed “creative residency” in Paris, Imani shares the realities of leadership, rest and why joy and community must stay at the center of her work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
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Our show offers you transformative (yet pragmatic) ideas, data, and tools to help you invest in the nonprofit workforce. This unique show invites you into fun, provocative conversations with a diverse network of funders, nonprofit leaders, authors, intermediaries, and government leaders. Your host, Rusty Stahl, who founded Fund the People in 2014, is the foremost advocate for the U.S. nonprofit workforce. Our mission? To maximize investment in America's nonprofit workforce to drive equity, effectiveness, and endurance across the sector.
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Our show offers you transformative (yet pragmatic) ideas, data, and tools to help you invest in the nonprofit workforce. This unique show invites you into fun, provocative conversations with a diverse network of funders, nonprofit leaders, authors, intermediaries, and government leaders. Your host, Rusty Stahl, who founded Fund the People in 2014, is the foremost advocate for the U.S. nonprofit workforce. Our mission? To maximize investment in America's nonprofit workforce to drive equity, effectiveness, and endurance across the sector.
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In this episode, you'll get valuable insights from the CEO of one of the few foundations in the US focused on nonprofit people, not nonprofit programs. Our guest is Maria Cabildo, CEO of The Durfee Foundation. Durfee funds “people and possibilities in Los Angeles county.” Maria served as President and CEO of the East LA Community Corporation for 16 years, where she was the recipient of multiple forms of Durfee support. She has also worked in government and other philanthropic organizations. We discuss Durfee’s interlocking funding programs: their signature sabbatical award for nonprofit leaders; the Stanton Fellowship (an R&D opportunity to advance new ideas); Springboard (catalytic support for emerging organizations); and the Lark Awards (collective care and renewal for staff at community-based organizations). Maria also shares insights on why funders should recognize the genius and ingenuity in community-developed solutions to problems; staying grounded in the realities and relationships of grassroots communities as we become powerful professionals; and leading during crisis, and how funders can respond to crises by remaining consistent and stable, while being responsive and stepping-up support for nonprofits. Guest Bio: Maria Cabildo (she/her) is a lifelong Angelena. Born and raised in East Los Angeles. She has a long career in public service. She has held positions in the philanthropic, nonprofit, private, and government sectors, including co-founder and CEO of the East LA Community Corporation (ELACC) from 1999 – 2015. She received both a Durfee Foundation Sabbatical and Stanton fellowship while CEO of ELACC. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, a master’s degree in Urban Planning from UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, and a Certificate in Advanced Environmental Studies from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. She lives in Eagle Rock with her two adult children and their cats, Milk & Andaluza. Relevant Episodes: Thriving Wages for Community Organizers Nonprofit Staff Resilience and Well-Being in Turbulent Times Breaking the Silence: Making Leadership Transitions Safe for Nonprofits Resources Discussed: The Durfee Foundation Sabbatical Program (Related: Creative Disruption Report on funding nonprofit sabbaticals) Stanton Fellowship (Related: What If: Insights from a Decade of Philanthropic R&D ) Springboard Fund Lark Awards Other organizations discussed: East L.A. Community Corporation Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative Trust-Based Philanthropy Project…
In this powerful episode of Fund the People’s Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy series, Rusty sits down with Tonya Allen, President of the McKnight Foundation, to explore how philanthropy can respond to the Trump Administration’s War on Charity, and serve as an active force for transformation. Tonya shares her roots in Detroit activism, lessons from community leaders who shaped her understanding of philanthropy as “an active verb,” and her belief that funders must embrace—not shy away from—power to change systems. She urges foundations to reject fear and isolation in the face of political attacks, reminding listeners that “silence isolates, and solidarity shields.” Tonya and Rusty also discuss how McKnight has transformed under her leadership—expanding its grantmaking to historic levels, adopting bold investment and climate commitments, and launching the $5 billion GroundBreak Coalition to build wealth for communities of color in the Twin Cities. She offers candid insights on trust-based philanthropy, supporting nonprofit workers, and how the Unite in Advance initiative is helping the social sector stand strong against coordinated threats. This episode is a master class in courageous, values-driven leadership in philanthropy. Guest Bio: Tonya Allen is a leader and a change agent with a passion for co-creating an equitable, sustainable world. In 2021, she became president of the McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation that advances a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and the planet thrive. In 2024, McKnight granted over $145 million—the highest charitable payout in the Foundation’s history at 7 percent of its endowment—in support of equitable communities, a clean energy economy, global food systems, artists and culture bearers, and innovative neuroscience research. Beyond this increase in grantmaking, Tonya has worked to ensure that McKnight uses every tool in its toolbox as a philanthropic organization. In her first year at McKnight, Tonya championed using the Foundation’s investments to advance net zero goals, and elevated McKnight’s voice and leadership to rebuild Twin Cities neighborhoods and small businesses impacted by Covid-19 and the 2020 civil unrest. In 2022, Tonya helped launch the GroundBreak Coalition, an ambitious, multi-sector effort to close wealth gaps in Minneapolis-St. Paul. In 2023, GroundBreak announced nearly $1 billion in commitments towards its goals. Prior to joining McKnight, Tonya served as president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, and as a program officer at the Charles Stewart Mott and Thompson McCully foundations. She was a co-founder and architect of Detroit Children’s Fund, and the founder and director of Detroit Parent Network. Similar Episodes: MacArthur President Chooses Courage, Not Quiet – with John Palfrey, MacArthur Foundation Nonprofits, the U.S. Constitution & the ACLU – with Mike Zamore, ACLU Episode Links: Tonya Bio and Headshot . McKnight’s “All in On Mission” blog post Tonya’s essay " Why We Increased Our Giving " Unite in Advance Op-Ed in Nonprofit Quarterly Council on Foundations’ Sign-On Statement from Philanthropy Inside Philanthropy story on the GroundBreak Coalition Statement from Tonya following the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis…
In this brief Bonus Episode, Rusty Stahl introduces the concept of Staff Operating Support (S.O.S.) Grants. It's a new type of grant for the new type of existential crisis we face. Download our new S.O.S. Grants Concept Paper (http://bit.ly/3WwR489) Share this flyer about the S.O.S. Grants Concept Paper An S.O.S. Grant is restricted for investments in a grantee's people and the systems that support their team. Within that restriction area, an S.O.S. Grant is flexible, responsive, and trust-based. Why? Read our concept paper to find out! Rusty and our team at Fund the People developed the S.O.S. Grants Concept as a new part of our Funding that Works Framework. It is meant to help funders and fundraisers support nonprofit workers in response to the current crisis, but also in reaction to the chronic deficit of investment in America's nonprofit workforce. Have feedback? Leave comments in your podcast app, or email rusty@fundthepeople.org.…
1 How Funders Can Fight Nonprofit Burnout, Not Fuel It — with Elisha Smith Arrillaga , Center for Effective Philanthropy 36:29
Nonprofit burnout is real — and rising. In this episode, Rusty Stahl welcomes back Dr. Elisha Smith Arrillaga , Vice President of Research at the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) . They discuss new data revealing how stress, vacancies, and limited funding flexibility are affecting nonprofit leaders and staff across the country. They dig into CEP’s State of Nonprofits 2025 and Voices That Matter reports, exploring: What’s driving staff burnout and morale loss The disconnect between funder intent and nonprofit experience How funders can actually help Ways to use data to advocate for equity, sustainability, and smarter philanthropy Elisha also shares a preview of CEP’s upcoming research on how the current administration’s “war on charity” is impacting the sector — and what innovations and risks are emerging in response. The episode ends with a call for funders and nonprofits alike to use the research data on The State of Nonprofits to advocate for change and collaboration. Related Episodes: Do Funders Understand the Nonprofit Burnout Crisis? (Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Center for Effective Philanthropy, Nov. 2024, S7:E1) Funders Listen Up: It's Time to Invest in Nonprofit Workers (Rusty Stahl, Fund the People, Nov. 2023, S5:E1) Understanding Funders’ Blindspots (Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette, Center for Effective Philanthropy, Nov. 2020, S1:E7) Social Impact Grief: How to Mourn and Organize in 2025 (Meico Marquette Whitlock, Mindful Changemaker, 10/25, S8:E3) Nonprofit Staff Resilience and Wellbeing in Turbulent Times (Loretta Turner, Do Good Leadership Collective, April 2025, S7:E18) Resources & Links Mentioned: Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) State of Nonprofits: What Funders Need to Know (2025) Voices that Matter (2025) How Foundations are Supporting Grantee Wellbeing (2024) Fund for Shared Insight Candid Nonprofit Tracker CEP Conference 2025 — Opening plenary to feature new research on the impact of the “war on charity” Fund the People Podcast Homepage…
Advocacy expert Bethany Snyder joins Rusty Stahl to reveal how nonprofit leaders can reclaim their power, speak out boldly, and protect the sector from political attacks. In this powerful episode of Fund the People , host Rusty Stahl sits down with advocacy strategist Bethany Snyder , founder of Snyder Strategies, to explore how nonprofits can — and must — use their voices boldly in today’s political climate. Snyder argues that the nonprofit sector is “on the menu” under the Trump administration’s attacks on civil society, and the only way off is to reclaim a seat at the policymaking table. With a mix of urgency and humor, she calls on nonprofit leaders to act from a place of strength, not fear, reminding them that their power is exactly why they’re being targeted. Drawing on her career spanning grassroots campaigns, public policy, and a stint as a staffer for Senator Al Franken, Snyder shares practical guidance for organizations to build strategic advocacy programs — not “random acts of advocacy.” She breaks down her Advocacy Roadmap process, showing how nonprofits can engage their members, train effective advocates, and communicate clearly with lawmakers. Whether at the local, state, or federal level, her message is clear: advocacy isn’t optional — it’s essential to protecting your mission, your community, and the nonprofit sector itself. Guest Bio: Bethany Snyder, MPP, is the powerhouse behind Snyder Strategies, LLC , where she helps nonprofit and membership organizations build bold and effective advocacy programs that drive real change. With nearly 25 years of experience spanning communications, advocacy, and public affairs, Bethany has worn many hats—grassroots advocacy director, lobbyist, consultant, communications director, and even a U.S. Senate staffer—bringing a wealth of expertise to every project she touches. She is also the recent former Director of the Iowa Nonprofit Alliance, during which she Bethany championed the work of Iowa’s 23,000 nonprofit organizations and the professionals who power them, ensuring their voices were heard and amplified. A proud Hawkeye with a BA from the University of Iowa and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Minnesota, Bethany’s dedication to community runs deep. She leads Central Iowa Rainbow Families, chairs One Iowa Action and the Urbandale Civil Rights Commission, and serves on the board of Family Equality, all while advocating for a more equitable future. Links to Resources: Bethany Snyder – Snyder Strategies https://www.snyderstrategies.me/ Bethany helps nonprofits and social justice organizations find their advocacy voice and build lasting policy impact. Snyder Strategies Quiz - What’s Your Advocacy Edge? https://snyder-strategies.involve.me/nonprofit-advocacy-quiz Advocacy With Sass (Bethany’s blog) https://www.snyderstrategies.me/advocacy-with-sass A three-minute questionnaire to help you understand where you are on your advocacy journey—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Senator Al Franken (D-MN) Bethany previously served as a staffer for Senator Franken during his first term in office. CDC Smokefree Programs - Background on the national movement to promote smokefree air policies — the kind Bethany helped advance early in her career. Foundations on the Hill - A national gathering where foundation and philanthropic leaders meet with federal lawmakers to advocate for charitable giving and organized philanthropy. Bolder Advocacy (Alliance for Justice) - A top resource for nonprofit and foundation advocacy training, tools, and legal guidance. The Adventures of Baron von Munchausen (One of the most under-rated yet joyfully wacky and amazing films of all time, according to Rusty)…
Is your nonprofit stuck in an understaffing cycle, in which you need expertise but can't afford senior-level salaries? Are you overwhelmed by wearing multiple hats as an executive director, lacking specialized skills in fundraising, HR, or communications? What if there was a way to access experienced professionals without the full-time commitment? Through this episode, you’ll learn about working with “fractional executives” – a practice where nonprofits engage a portion of an experienced professional's time to provide both strategic guidance and hands-on implementation of a key organizational function. You’ll get tips for when organizations are ready for fractional executives; how to find them; and how best to work with them. Our guest is Cindy Wagman, a Canadian fundraising consultant who has become a leading voice in the fractional executive practice for nonprofits. Wagman shares her journey from university fundraiser to consultant, how she evolved her own fractional executive model, and the training and matching services she has developed to help more people become fractional executives specifically for nonprofits, and help more nonprofits find them. Wagman defines fractional executives as a unique blend of strategic thought and implementation, typically requiring 7+ years of direct experience in their function. Unlike traditional consultants who provide advice, fractional executives create plans and then execute them, working on retainer and focusing on deliverables and outcomes. She emphasizes this isn't a cost-saving measure but rather an optimization strategy, allowing small and mid-size nonprofits to access senior-level expertise they couldn't otherwise afford. The typical investment is comparable to hiring a junior-level employee but with significantly more experience and strategic capability. The conversation covers practical guidance for both sides of the equation. For nonprofits considering fractional executives, and professionals considering becoming fractional consultants. Wagman has built an entire ecosystem around this model, including training programs through her Nonprofit Fractional Academy, a matchmaking service at nonprofitfractionals.com, and multiple podcasts. She advocates for funders to embrace investing in people and trust organizations to choose how to best structure their teams, whether through traditional hiring or fractional arrangements. About Cindy Wagman: Cindy Wagman helps seasoned nonprofit pros build six-figure consulting businesses—without the burnout. A former in-house leader turned business coach, she’s the founder of Cindy Wagman Consulting and the Nonprofit Fractional Network, and has guided 100+ consultants to grow profitable, values-driven practices. She’s the bestselling author of Raise It!, co-host of Confessions with Jess and Cindy, and host of Fracture, a private podcast for nonprofit fractional execs ready to stop fixing broken systems and start building something better. Nonprofit Executive's Guide to Hiring a Fractional Leader (free) Matchmaking Service (find a fractional executive for your org)…
Remember that old activist saying, "Don't mourn; organize"? Well, what if you're feeling deep disillusioned and disempowered by attacks on nonprofits and communities you love? Feeling dread as you witness beloved institutions and ideas get damaged or destroyed? How are you going to sustain morale through all this? This episode offers language, tools, and pragmatic resources to help you or your team mourn, so that you can continue to organize. Our guest Meico Marquette Whitlock shares the concept of social impact grief. Whitlock discusses how this emotional response to setbacks, policy reversals, and systemic resistance is part of changemaking work, but often goes unacknowledged, creating a dynamic among activists he describes as "driving with the parking brake on." The discussion includes practical strategies and exercises for both individuals and organizations to get back into gear. Meico emphasizes that grief isn't linear and shouldn't be avoided, but rather embraced as fuel for continued work. The episode concludes with information about Whitlock's books, retreats, and consulting services, which position self-care as essential for sustainable social change work. BIO: Meico Marquette Whitlock is The Mindful Changemaker and The Mindful Techie. He works with changemakers who want to improve their well-being so they can sustainably increase their well-doing in changing the world. He's the author of the Amazon bestseller How to Thrive When Work Doesn’t Love You Back: A Practical Guide for Taking Care of Yourself While Changing the World and The Intention Planner . He has worked for more than two decades across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, during which time he has used information technology to improve well-being in underserved communities as a software and web developer, communications director, trainer and facilitator, and mindfulness teacher. According to his website, Meico is a former triathlete, loves salsa dancing, and makes the world’s best vegan chili. He holds an M.S. in Information Science from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from Morehouse College. He is also a certified trauma-informed mindfulness teacher. Related Episodes: Nonprofit Staff Resilience and Well-Being in Turbulent Times with Loretta Turner Wellbeing as Strategy: Reimagining Philanthropic Practice with Laura Bacon Happy Healthy Nonprofit People with Beth Kanter Resources Discussed in Episode: Services: Speaking engagements Coaching and consulting for individuals Coaching and consulting for organizations Virtual Wellness Retreat for Changemakers (August 2025) Publications: Mindful Techie website Newsletter (scroll down main page to “Sign up for Updates” just above footer) Book: How to Thrive When Work Doesn’t Love You Back (here’s a digital preview of the book) Book: The Intention Planner Social Media: LinkedIn YouTube (includes Meico’s podcast, “Dear Mindful Changemakers”) Instagram Online Courses: Leading Your Team Through Change and Uncertainty Cultivating Well-Being & Resilience in Challenging Times 2025 Life Planning Masterclass & Guide for Changemakers Post-Election Email Series: In the episode, Rusty mentions that Fund the People used Meico's tips to help their team debrief after the election in fall 2024. Here are the emails Meico shared at that time. Although the election is in the rear view, the messages and tips are still relevant: Protecting Your Digital Well-being in Stressful Times Navigating Workplace Grief, Disruption, and Uncertainty Self-Care for Team Leaders in Difficult Times What to Say to Your Team Post-Election Day Grow Not Weary in Well-Doing: You Were Made for Times Like This Managing Your Team’s Post-Election Stress Easing Your Team’s Election Anxiety Finding Balance in Turbulent Times…
1 Funding for the Long Haul: How Many-Year Grants Strengthen Nonprofit Jobs & Impact - with Betsy Leondar-Wright 47:12
In this episode, you’ll learn how many-year grants can bolster nonprofit people and programmatic impact. Host Rusty Stahl sits down with Betsy Leondar-Wright, Ph.D., the lead researcher at Fund the People, to discuss our brand-new report, Long-Haul Grantmaking . Betsy brings decades of nonprofit leadership, social justice activism, and academic research to the conversation, and she shares how her personal experiences with underfunded, unstable nonprofit jobs shaped her passion for this work. Together, Rusty and Betsy explore the vital question: what happens when funders commit to long-term, flexible support for nonprofits with an emphasis on supporting employees? Drawing from a case study of the Walter & Elise Haas Fund’s Endeavor Fund, which made seven-year unrestricted grants to seven Bay Area nonprofits, Betsy highlights transformative impacts for organizations and their staff. From stronger internal systems and fairer pay, to improved work-life balance, healthier collaboration, and greater program impact, the research shows how funding stability, paired with financial incentives to focus on job quality, directly translates to healthier, more effective nonprofits. Betsy also shares moving examples of staff and program participants whose lives have been improved by this approach—from frontline workers gaining access to healthcare and rest, to immigrant entrepreneurs modeling better job practices in their own small businesses. This conversation offers funders and nonprofit leaders alike practical insights into how funding can shift from a cycle of scarcity to a model of sustainability. Listeners will also learn about an upcoming interactive webinar (October 10, 2025, 10am PT / 1pm ET) where Betsy and special guests will dive deeper into the findings and share strategies for overcoming barriers to many-year funding. Register to discover how embracing long-haul grantmaking can fuel high-performing people, organizations, and impact. Betsy Leondar-Wright, Ph.D. Betsy leads Staffing the Mission, Fund the People's research and dissemination arm. In this role, she serves as Principal Investigator of the Upgrading Nonprofit Workplaces study. The first publication from this research is Long-Haul Grantmaking report. Betsy joined the team when Staffing the Mission became part of Fund the People in late 2023. Dr. Leondar-Wright is a veteran of 30+ years at economic justice nonprofits in various roles, including United for a Fair Economy. She has facilitated more than 250 popular education workshops around the US and the UK. As an Associate Professor of Sociology at Lasell University, she taught about race and class inequality and social movement strategy. She is the author of Missing Class: Strengthening Social Movement Groups by Seeing Class Cultures, and a co-author of The Color of Wealth: The Story Behind the US Racial Wealth Divide. Related episodes: Jamie Allison, Walter and Elise Haas Fund, on the FTP Podcast Episode Long-Haul Grantmaking Research: Long-Haul Grantmaking Report Register for Free Webinar on the Report (Fri 10/10, 10a PT) Other Resources Discussed in the Episode: Endeavor Fund Cohort info on Haas Sr. Fund website Staffing the Mission (on Fund the People site) Sustainable Jobs Toolkit (created by Staffing the Mission and All Due Respect) Workshops on Burnout for Nonprofits from Staffing Is It Racist? Is It Sexist? Why Red and Blue White People Disagree, and How to Decide in the Gray Areas (book by Betsy) Missing Class: Strengthening Social Movement Groups by Seeing Class Cultures (book by Betsy) CA Talent Justice Summit webpage…
In the season premiere of Season 8, your host Rusty Stahl (Founder, President & CEO of Fund the People) outlines the season’s focus on strengthening and defending the nonprofit sector. He previews upcoming conversations with influential leaders such as Tonya Allen of McKnight Foundation, Deepak Bhargava of Freedom Together Foundation, and Michael Thatcher of Charity Navigator. Rusty shares a new Fund the People research report and webinar (10/10 at 10am PT) on ‘long-haul grantmaking’ that emphasize better jobs in nonprofits and will be featured on the podcast this season, alongside a forthcoming concept from Fund the People called “Staff Operating Support” (or “S.O.S.”) Grants, a new type of strategic, responsive funding meant to provide direct investments in nonprofit workers. Rusty frames this season within the broader context of what he calls the Trump Administration’s War on Charity (#TrumpWarOnCharity), citing efforts to undermine First Amendment freedoms, nonprofits, charitable giving, and the nonprofit workforce. He discusses how euphemisms have obscured the severity of these threats, and emphasizes the need to speak plainly about the challenges facing the sector. He encourages nonprofit leaders to stand in solidarity with all other nonprofits. He invites listeners to make their nonprofit values visible by wearing FTP Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy gear . The episode addresses current events, including the politicization of the horrific Charlie Kirk assassination, which Rusty argues has been exploited by the Trump Administration to justify attacks on progressive philanthropy and nonprofits. He details the flawed logic behind these narratives, putting his M.A. in Philanthropy from Indiana University up against a J.D. from Yale Law School. Finally, Rusty closes with a call to remain vigilant,and to follow Season 8 for research, tools, and practices to help you invest in the nonprofit workforce despite (or because of) the ongoing siege on our sector. Bio: Rusty Stahl serves as Founder, President, and CEO of Fund the People. Fund the People works to strengthen the effectiveness, impact, and sustainability of philanthropy and the social sector by maximizing investment in America’s nonprofit workforce. Rusty is a tenacious, mission-focused thought-leader, social entrepreneur, and student of the field. Alongside his colleagues, Stahl has studied, developed ideas, and written extensively on what it takes to invest in the nonprofit workforce. This podcast is one of the places such exploration and learning takes place. Before launching the organization, Rusty completed R&D for Fund the People as a Visiting Scholar in Residence at NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service. Previously he served as Founding Executive Director of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) and as a Program Associate at the Ford Foundation. He holds an M.A. in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University. Resources: Long-Haul Grantmaking report Long-Haul Grantmaking webinar Meet the Moment Commitment Unite in Advance Fund the People’s Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy work Fund the People’s Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Merch Store Related Episodes: MacArthur President Chooses Courage, Not Quiet - with John Palfrey Nonprofits, The Constitution, and the ACLU - with Mike Zaymor, American Civil Liberties Union Meet the Moment: A Call to Action for Funders - with Shaady Salehi, Trust-Based Philanthropy Project…
What happens when a major foundation president decides to speak out boldly during a crisis? How can philanthropy surge resources to protect nonprofit workers facing unprecedented job losses? In this season finale of the Fund the People Podcast, host Rusty Stahl sits down with John Palfrey, President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation , to explore how courage becomes contagious in times of sector-wide attacks. You'll discover the real math behind foundation payout increases, learn why one foundation moved from 5% to 6% giving (adding $150 million over two years), and understand the strategic thinking behind multi-year general operating support. Palfrey shares the behind-the-scenes story of how MacArthur Foundation responded to federal cuts targeting nonprofits—from increasing their payout rate to joining solidarity campaigns that have gathered nearly 700 institutional signatures. He offers frank "real talk" about the trade-offs of long-term funding, explains why he believes in the constitutional "freedom to give," and discusses how foundations calculated that nonprofit grantees lost about 12% of their federal funding. This conversation reveals both the possibilities and limitations of philanthropic response during crisis. As attacks on nonprofits continue through 2025, this episode provides essential insights for anyone working in or with the social sector. Whether you're a nonprofit leader wondering how to navigate funding relationships, a foundation professional considering how to increase impact, or simply someone who believes in the power of organized giving, you'll gain practical knowledge about how major philanthropy is adapting to meet this unprecedented moment—and why taking summer breaks might be the most important advice of all. Funding for Real Change - fundingforrealchange.com (true cost initiative tools) Season 5, Episode 7 : "The Great Double Standard" (Rusty's rant about foundation overhead policies) Season 4, Episode 10 : “MacArthur Foundation Makes Changes to End Nonprofit Starvation Cycle – with Kenneth Jones, MacArthur Foundation” interview about MacArthur's indirect cost policy Season 7, Episode 17 : “Meet the Moment: A Call to Action for Funders – with Shaady Salehi, Trust-Based Philanthropy Project” Season 7, Episode 1 : “Do Funders Understand the Nonprofit Burnout Crisis? – with Elisha Smith Arrillaga, CEP” on the 2024 State of Nonprofits HR 9495 - "The Big, Bloated Bill" (link to Congress.gov full text) Center for Effective Philanthropy “State of Nonprofits 2025: What Funders Need to Know” John Palfrey's guest post on CEP blog “Courage in Unity: A Funder’s Response to the ‘State of Nonprofits’” (June 3, 2025 response to the report) Council on Foundations public solidarity sign-on campaign - (694+ institutional signatures supporting philanthropy's freedom to give) "Meet the Moment" commitment - Trust-based philanthropy pledge (nearly 200 institutional signatures) The Courage Project - Coalition of nonprofits and foundations launched May 2025 Bio John Palfrey is President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, one of the nation’s largest philanthropies with assets of approximately $8 billion. Prior to joining the Foundation, Palfrey served as Head of School at Phillips Academy Andover. During his tenure, the number of faculty members of color doubled, and the student body grew more diverse. Palfrey was the Henry N. Ess III Professor of Law and Vice Dean for Library and Information Resources at Harvard Law School. Palfrey served as Executive Director of the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society. He is founding board chair of the Digital Public Library of America, and is the former board chair of LRNG. Palfrey has published extensively on how young people learn in a digital era, as well as the effects of new technologies on society at large. Palfrey holds a JD from Harvard Law School, an MPhil from the University of Cambridge, and an AB from Harvard College.…
Why are so many talented community organizers burning out and leaving the field just when we need them most? What would it look like if nonprofits collectively committed to improving wages and working conditions for the people doing the most essential work in our movements? How can funders shift from perpetuating a cycle of underpayment to investing in the workforce that drives social change? In this episode, you’ll get promising ideas from guests who are answering these questions with practical, real-world efforts on the ground. Host Rusty Stahl sits down with Kara Park from All Due Respect, and Gaby Hernandez from Órale, to explore a groundbreaking project in Southern California where 20 organizations came together to create shared labor standards for the community organizers on their teams. Through candid conversation, they reveal findings from their compensation study showing that organizers are making an average of $57,000 while directors wish they could pay $65,000, and that there's a troubling salary plateau that pushes experienced organizers out of the field after five years. The guests share how their collective, multi-organizational approach moved beyond individual organizations to create more system-wide change, including transparent pay scales, wellness budgets, and a direct appeal to funders. This conversation offers practical insights for any nonprofit leaders grappling with staff recruitment, compensation, and retention, funders seeking to make meaningful impact, and anyone who believes that the people fighting for justice deserve to thrive while doing that work. Kara and Gaby demonstrate that addressing burnout requires both better compensation and improved working conditions - you can't have one without the other. Their work provides a roadmap for how organizations can move from accepting poverty wages as inevitable to collectively demanding the resources needed to sustain a powerful movement for social change. Resources: All Due Respect website Publications page on All Due Respect website All Due Respect: Building Strong Organizations by Creating Fair Labor Standards for Organizers (initial national study by All Due Respect, April 2022) What is the Status of Organizer Compensation in Southern California? (All Due Respect, April 2024) SoCal Organizer Compensation and Benefits Standards (All Due Respect, December 2024) Compensación y Beneficios para Organizadores del Sur de California (Diciembre 2024) Órale website ( en español ) Fair Labor Standards for Community Organizers – with Kinzie Mabon and Kevin Simowitz, All Due Respect, FTP Podcast episode Bios Kara Park is an organizer, facilitator and coalition builder with over a decade of experience in state and national social justice movements. Her work has included grassroots organizing, issue-based advocacy, civic engagement, leadership development and political education, including consulting on curriculum and training for multiple organizations. Kara has served as the Director of Programs for Asian American organizing efforts in both Minnesota and Oregon, building state-based power and leading organizational strategy and program development. In 2017, she helped to pass Oregon's landmark Reproductive Health Equity Act, which has since become a model for multiple other state policy campaigns. Kara has also worked as Civic Engagement Manager for Forward Together, a national organization that unites communities to win rights, recognition and resources for all families, and co-created an Asian and Pacific Islander reproductive justice storytelling project called We Carry Oceans. Gaby Hernandez is the Executive Director of ÓRALE, an immigrant-led organization dedicated to dismantling the criminalization of immigrants and securing protections that allow communities to flourish. Gaby is a graduate from the Coaching for Healing, Justice, and Liberation program, a certification training designed for social justice movement leaders.…
This episode updates you on how the Big, Bloated Bill in Congress will impact nonprofits and philanthropy. And this week’s interview offers a deep dive into how the proposed law would impact nonprofits that hold up America’s social safety net. What happens when government cuts to essential services threaten to recreate the horrors of decades past? How do nonprofits navigate serving vulnerable populations while fighting for their very existence? In this powerful episode, Edward Hershey , CEO of Home of Guiding Hands, reveals the critical connection between defending democracy and protecting society's most vulnerable members—people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who depend on services that are now under unprecedented threat. Hershey shares the stark reality of operating a $35 million nonprofit with 1,200 employees while 90% dependent on government funding that's facing massive cuts. From paying payroll on credit cards due to delayed government payments to witnessing a 40% underfunding crisis finally addressed only to be threatened again, his organization's story illuminates how attacking nonprofits, government programs, and philanthropic funding creates a dangerous triple threat to democratic values. The conversation traces a direct line from the horrific institutional conditions exposed by Geraldo Rivera in the 1970s to today's policy decisions that could force a return to those dark days. Through personal accounts of rallying 300 constituents, confronting elected officials, and maintaining hope among staff and clients, Hershey demonstrates that defending democracy isn't abstract—it's about ensuring that government remains "of the people, for the people" by protecting the infrastructure that cares for those who cannot advocate for themselves. His message is clear: we are judged as a society by how we treat our most vulnerable, and preserving that care is preserving democracy itself. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources at fundthepeople.org . Resources: Fund the People Blog Home of Guiding Hands Geraldo Rivera’s Expose Rate Study Edward Hershey’s Op Ed Rally footage/media: KPBS Monday 5/26 KPBS "San Diego News Now" podcast (2:07 mark) FOX 5 aired footage 5/26 at 1:05 pm and re-aired 5/27 at 6:08 am and 9:08 am KUSI aired footage 5/26 4:07 pm, 6:08 pm, and 5/27 at 5:16 am 10 News mentioned the rally in their morning newscast at 5:42 am Bio: Edward Hershey is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Home of Guiding Hands. He assumed his role with HGH on September 1, 2021. Edward began his career at HGH in 2015 as the Vice President of Operations and was then promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Edward has 27- years of management experience in directing all facets of business operations, with expertise in operations and project management. Prior to joining Home of Guiding Hands, Edward worked for Father Joe’s Villages as their Vice President of Operations for 12 years, and for the Employment Development Department where he specialized in Veteran’s needs. Edward served in the US Navy during the Gulf War and was honorably discharged in 1993. He serves on the Board for the California Disability Services Institute, and the California Disability Services Association. He volunteers his time for Boy Scouts of America and the VFW. Edward holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management with a Specialization in Strategic Innovation and Change Management from Colorado State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership with a Specialization in Public and Non-Profit Management. Edward is a graduate of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, a licensed California Contractor, and is a member of the John Maxwell team certified as a leadership coach, speaker, and trainer. He lives in El Cajon with his wife of 16 years Jessica and their three children, Julia, Niko, and Ethan.…
1 Making the Nonprofit Workforce Visible 1:04:26
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Später Spielen Später Spielen Listen Gefällt mir GelikedAre you curious about the true scope and scale of nonprofit employment in America? Ever wonder how nonprofit jobs weathered the pandemic compared to for-profit jobs? In this episode, host Rusty Stahl speaks with Dr. Alan J. Abramson and Chelsea Newhouse , both of George Mason University , about the numbers behind the nonprofit workforce, and their implications for funders, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders. The conversation reveals crucial facts about nonprofit employment based on George Mason’s latest report. Abramson and Newhouse discuss how nonprofits lost 580,000 workers during the early pandemic but weathered the initial downturn better than for-profits. They explore common misconceptions about nonprofit funding and highlight how the sector has struggled to fully restore its workforce. Our guests introduce their Nonprofit Works , a free, user-friendly tool that provides high-level data about how many Americans earn a living through nonprofit work, and how much money nonprofits add to the economy in annual wages. The database allows users to segment this data by sub-sector and geography, and compare it to business and government jobs. The numbers are drawn from federal Department of Labor data, but the nonprofit employment data are published extremely infrequently, and only with help from scholars at a private, nonprofit university. Alan and Chelsea argue that better, more frequent releases of nonprofit workforce data – including relevant data collected by other federal agencies – would help nonprofit workers gain the visibility and support they deserve in public policy, the media, academic research, and among private funders. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources at fundthepeople.org . Bios: Alan J. Abramson is director of the Center on Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Social Enterprise, in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. He teaches and conducts research on the nonprofit sector and philanthropy, and has worked to save and sustain work done at Johns Hopkins University by his late colleague, Dr. Lester Solomon. For more than a decade, Dr. Abramson directed the Aspen Institute’s Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy Program. Before that he worked at the Urban Institute. Alan is the author and coauthor of numerous books and articles, and is involved with multiple academic associations related to the nonprofit sector. Dr. Abramson received his PhD in political science from Yale University. Chelsea Newhouse is a consultant on the George Mason University’ Nonprofit Employment Data Project and Senior Program Manager at East-West Management Institute. Prior to joining the East-West Management Institute in 2022, Chelsea was at the the Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies, where she worked closely with late Center Director Lester Salamon on the Nonprofit Economic Data Project and the Nonprofit Works Interactive Database, the Comparative Nonprofit Sector Project, and a variety of other research projects focused on the nonprofit, philanthropic, and volunteer sector. Following Dr. Salamon’s passing, she helped transfer the Nonprofit Employment Data Project to George Mason University. Chelsea has also served as a consultant with Maryland Nonprofits and the New York Council of Nonprofits. Resources: GMU Center on Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Social Enterprise GMU Nonprofit Employment Project website GMU Nonprofit Works website Direct link to the 2024 Nonprofit Employment Report A link to the UN TSE Sector Handbook project, which provides guidance and background on the nonprofit satellite account JHU Center for Civil Society Studies Standing Up for Nonprofits, a 2024 book on nonprofit advocacy that Ben Soskis and Alan Abramson wrote. It's available for free online from Cambridge University Press…
What's at stake when nonprofits and democracy are under attack? How can organizations respond effectively to threats against their tax status and Constitutional rights? In this illuminating conversation, Rusty speaks with Mike Zamore, National Director of Policy and Government Affairs at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), about the unprecedented challenges facing nonprofits in today's political climate. Mike Zamore draws from his 22 years of Capitol Hill experience and current ACLU leadership to explain how nonprofits are essential to America's constitutional framework of checks and balances. He details recent fights against attempts to weaponize government power against nonprofits, including legislation that would have allowed stripping organizations of tax-exempt status without due process. The conversation highlights parallels between threats to individual liberties and threats to nonprofit First Amendment freedoms. The discussion concludes with practical advice for nonprofits in red states and red districts to effectively engage with Republican representatives regarding the upcoming tax reconciliation bill that could adversely affect the sector. Zamore emphasizes the importance of solidarity, encouraging nonprofits to stand together against intimidation tactics, and that reminding us that maintaining collective courage is crucial for preserving both Constitutional rights and the ability to serve communities. This episode was recorded the morning of May 9, 2025, before the House Ways and Means Committee revealed the language in their portion of the proposed tax bill, which includes re-introduction of H.R. 9495. Click here for resources on new tax bill. Resources referenced in the episode: ACLU A Call to Action for Red State Nonprofits on the FTP blog "Meet the Man Who Wants to Tax Most of the Nonprofit World" by Ben Gose "‘Five Alarm Fire': How New Tax Law Could Decimate Nonprofits — and What Can Be Done" by Steve Taylor Filibustered!: How to Fix the Broken Senate and Save America, co-authored by Senator Jeff Merkley and Mike Zamore "How Will We Know When We Have Lost Our Democracy?" Harvard statement "Upholding Our Values, Defending Our University" and lawsuit against the government Statement of Solidarity with Harvard University FTP Podcast Episode “Dr. King, AmeriCorps, & Nonprofit Work - with Michael Smith, AmeriCorps” “AmeriCorps members who respond to disasters and help nonprofits are let go in DOGE cuts” Guest Bio: Mike Zamore is the National Director of Policy & Government Affairs at the ACLU, where he leads efforts to harness the organization’s vast expertise, 4 million members and supporters, paid staff in every state, and electoral work to shape federal, state, and local policy. Mike is a 22-year veteran of Capitol Hill, and spent over 14 years as the Chief of Staff to Senator Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat first elected in 2008. As Merkley’s top aide, Mike managed a 50+ person staff and $4 million budget, counseled the Senator on legislative and political strategy, represented the Senator to various constituencies, and led two successful re-elections. Prior to joining Senator Merkley, Mike was the Policy Director at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, where he assisted the 2008 Senate candidates develop their positions on the issues. Mike earlier served as Policy Advisor to Representative Patrick Kennedy and spearheaded Kennedy’s legislative agenda, including mental health parity legislation that became law in 2008, and spoke frequently on health systems reform. Earlier in his career, he spent several years working on business development projects in the early days of post-Soviet Russia and clerked for Judge Allyne R. Ross on the Eastern District of New York. Mike is an adjunct faculty member at American University’s Washington College of Law. He graduated from Brown University and Harvard Law School, lives in Washington, DC with his wife and two sons.…
Are you concerned about high turnover in youth-serving nonprofits? Wondering why dedicated staff working with vulnerable young people struggle to make ends meet? In this episode, you’ll get findings from groundbreaking research on the wage crisis among youth-serving nonprofit workers in San Francisco, and what can be done to address it. Host Rusty Stahl interviews Madison Holland, founder of the Prosperity Initiative . Madison shares key findings from their recent report revealing that this workforce is predominantly women (69%) and people of color (80%), with over half not earning a living wage, and 40% working multiple jobs to survive. The research identifies how low wages create a harmful cycle: poor staff retention leads to deteriorating service quality, and ultimately worse outcomes for youth. Most critically, this undermines the trusted relationships that vulnerable young people need with consistent adult mentors, the very foundation of effective nonprofit youth work. The conversation explores solutions targeting different stakeholders: government funders must cover full program costs and reduce administrative burdens; philanthropic funders should provide unrestricted multi-year funding; and nonprofits themselves need to leverage collective power by refusing to underprice their services and explicitly prioritizing staff well-being in budgets. Madison emphasizes that investing in the nonprofit workforce isn't just about fairness to workers—it's essential for achieving meaningful outcomes for the young people these organizations serve. Bio: Madison Holland graduated from the University of San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Childhood Development emphasis) and Political Studies (Social Justice emphasis). She later earned a Master’s degree in Urban and Public Affairs from the University of San Francisco, focusing her thesis on legislation related to juvenile hall closures. With over ten years of experience working with children in various roles and settings, Madison most recently served as the Director of Advocacy and Government Relations at the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco. There, she led advocacy efforts, managed government funding, and oversaw mentorship and youth advocacy programs. Madison has been actively involved in the Children & Youth Fund’s Service Providers Working Group for seven years, where she contributed significantly to budget advocacy work, membership engagement, resource and infrastructure development, and more. Madison is passionate about preventing burnout, building a healthier youth-serving nonprofit workforce, and redefining narratives around working in the nonprofit sector. She believes that choosing a career dedicated to serving others should not require sacrificing personal well-being. She was a fundamental part of driving the work to obtain grant funds that led to the creation of the Prosperity Initiative. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources at fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast . Resources: Prosperity Initiative - find the report, download related materials, subscribe to their newsletter, and connect with their work. madison@prosperityinitiative.org Wage Crisis One Pager 2.20.pdf Wage Crisis Report 2024.pdf Findings Summary - Prosperity Initiative.pdf…
Are you concerned about the recent attacks on nonprofit funding? Wondering how the sudden dissolution of USAID and cuts to federal agencies are impacting vital organizations and the communities they serve? In this eye-opening installment of our Defend Nonprofits / Defend Democracy series, host Rusty Stahl delivers critical updates on the Trump Administration's actions against nonprofits, and speaks with Laura Andes, Chief Operations and Program Officer at Charity Navigator about how these cuts are affecting nonprofit organizations and leaders across America and globally. Rusty begins with alarming updates on recent developments, including the hostile takeover of the federal grants portal, AmeriCorps staff furloughs, attacks on the Vera Institute of Justice, and legislation that would limit courts' ability to stop illegal administrative actions. He emphasizes the estimated loss of 10,000-20,000 nonprofit jobs. And he highlights concerning precedents that may be set through attacks on universities and other 501(c)(3) organizations. These moves represent a coordinated assault on both government services and the nonprofit sector that traditionally fills gaps when government falls short. Laura Andes from Charity Navigator joins us to share insights from her decade on staff at USAID and her current role evaluating nonprofit effectiveness. Andes details Charity Navigator's response—creating resource lists of affected highly-rated organizations and launching a "Giving Is American" campaign to encourage immediate support. Both Rusty and Laura urge listeners to take action: donate now rather than waiting until year-end, encourage foundations to increase payouts, and if you're in a red state or district, contact your elected Senators and Member of Congress about the value nonprofits bring to communities and the need to keep attacks on nonprofits out of the tax bill . Bio Laura Andes is an evaluation professional with 20 years of experience in the non-profit and government sectors. She is the Chief Program Officer, where she oversees the development of the Encompass Rating System. Before this role, she served as Vice President of Impact Ratings. She joined Charity Navigator in 2021, having considerable experience, most notably implementing and evaluating global health programs, and developing enhanced placed-based service programs in affordable housing domestically. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and an M.P.H. from Yale University. In her free time, you will find Laura exploring the mountains near her home in Colorado with her husband and two children. Resources from Episode For an extensive list of action items, go to the show notes page on our website: https://www.fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast/red-state-nonprofits/ . You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources at fundthepeople.org . Action Opportunities If you’re a nonprofit leader living or operating in a community represented by a Republican Member of Congress or Senator, please read Fund the People’s Call to Action for Red State Nonprofit Leaders . Sign your organization to The Pact: A Civil Rights Coalition Unity Commitment Add your foundation to the new pledge to support nonprofits through this crisis, Meet the Moment Commitment: A Call to Action for Philanthropy in 2025 (and Beyond) Sign your foundation on to the Public Statement from Philanthropy , a pledge of solidarity among funders Help AmeriCorps members who’ve been taken out of their term of service. Fill out this form (created by friends of AmeriCorps) If you are an AmeriCorps member who need support or want to share your story, please use this form Charity Navigator Statement USAID List Documents on the Humanitarian Impact of Aid cuts https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/fact-sheet/the-trump-administrations-foreign-aid-review-status-of-the-presidents-malaria-initiative-pmi/ https://www.usaidstopwork.com/…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
Are you questioning the sustainability of leadership practices in your organization? How might centering the experiences and perspectives of women of color transform leadership in the social sector? What would it look like if funders truly listened to what nonprofit organizations need and responded accordingly? In this powerful episode, Rusty speaks with Safi Jiroh , Executive Director of LeaderSpring Center, to answer some of these questions. This episode delves into LeaderSpring's evolution from supporting only executive directors to creating a fellowship for women of color leaders at all levels in nonprofits. Safi discusses how the organization redesigned its curriculum to address systemic barriers and promote liberatory leadership practices while challenging unsustainable expectations in the nonprofit sector. Safi offers profound insights on what women of color bring to leadership roles, including community, empathy, lived experience, love, resilience, intuition, and truth-telling as primary contributions. The discussion tackles the current political climate where diversity, equity, and inclusion work is under attack, with Safi emphasizing the need to "fight to dream" and "fight to innovate" despite opposition. She challenges philanthropy to examine practices that create "bondage for nonprofit organizations" and to demonstrate the will to change by releasing control and embracing vulnerability. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources at fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast . Bio Safi’s deep family and cultural history of social and racial justice rooted in an ethic of love, service, and liberation in Oakland, California, formed her fierce dedication to servant leadership and development of a strong racial justice lens in life and work. Her over 25 years of experience in the public and social sectors as a leader, grant maker, consultant, facilitator, and volunteer have been the portals through which her life-long commitment to the advancement of human dignity has manifested. Safi brings her keen lens of racial equity and social justice to our Fellowship program, of which she is an alumna, and Impact Consulting work. Prior to LSC, Safi’s leadership positions included: Executive Director of the Marcus Foster Educational Institute, Executive Director of Banning Cultural Alliance, Community Faculty Fellow with the Center for the Arts at the California College of Arts, and Grants and Nonprofit Management Analyst for the City of Oakland’s Cultural Arts Department. In each position, Safi established equity-centered foci to aspect of the work. As a licensed minister with a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Leadership, she works at the intersections of faith, formation, and justice. She has been an independent organizational capacity building consultant and facilitator since 1990 supporting hundreds of projects, a certified Integral® Coach since 1999, and has served on numerous local, state, and national Boards and public policy committees, commissions, and task forces. She is a keynote speaker, a former dancer, and a private poet. Resources LeaderSpring Center Safi Jiroh on LinkedIn Women of Color LeadStrong Fellowship LeaderSpring's Upcoming Events Race to Lead Reports - Building Movement Project BoardSource Research…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
How are nonprofits surviving in today's challenging political climate? What happens when government funding freezes threaten essential services? How are state nonprofit associations becoming the backbone of sector defense? In this thought-provoking installment of Fund the People’s "Defend Nonprofits Defend Democracy" series, host Rusty Stahl engages in a candid conversation with Nonoko Sato, President and CEO of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN). They discuss the critical challenges facing nonprofits under the Trump Administration. What does it look like when nonprofits and foundations unite to protect vulnerable communities? How can organizations navigate uncertain policies while staying true to their values? And, most importantly, where can we find hope and resilience in a time when the sector itself is under attack? Whether you're a nonprofit leader seeking practical insights, a funder considering how to respond effectively, or another infrastructure group in the field, this episode offers valuable perspective on defending democracy through a strong, united nonprofit sector. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources at fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast . Nonoko Sato Bio: Nonoko Sato is the president and CEO for the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, the largest state association for nonprofits in the United States. She oversees MCN’s strategic response to organizational and sector challenges through public policy and advocacy, responsive and educational programming, and sector-wide research. Nonoko serves or has served in a variety of advisory, board, and trustee roles, including Governor Walz’s Council on Economic Expansion, Equity Diversity Impact Assessment Committee of the Minneapolis Public Schools, Coalition of Asian American Leaders, Theater Mu, Carleton College, among others. She previously served as MCN’s associate director, overseeing internal operations, programming, finance, and administration, as well as launching BenefitsMN, an association health plan for nonprofit organizations that strives to increase the vitality of Minnesota nonprofits through access to affordable and sustainable healthcare. Prior to these roles, Nonoko served as the executive director of an organization that champions educational equity by supporting students in overcoming systemic barriers on their journey to a college degree. Under her leadership, the organization tripled the number of students and expanded its services through high school. In all her roles, Nonoko is dedicated to enhancing and improving cultural humility, intentionally creating inclusive and accessible spaces, and working to end disparities in power, money, access, and resources. Resources: Minnesota Council of Nonprofits National Council of Nonprofits Map of Place-Based Nonprofit Associations in the U.S.…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
In this episode, host Rusty Stahl welcomes Loretta Turner , founder of Do Good Leadership Collective, for an insightful conversation about nonprofit wellbeing in challenging times. Loretta shares her journey from yoga instructor to nonprofit leader to wellbeing coach and consultant. She discusses how her personal experience with burnout and receiving nonprofit services after losing her home shaped her mission to help social impact professionals "do good and be well." She offers a multidimensional view of wellbeing that goes beyond surface-level solutions like yoga classes or team-building activities, advocating instead for comprehensive approaches that include equitable pay, robust benefits, mental health support, and sustainable organizational cultures. Listeners will gain valuable insights into what Loretta calls the "nonprofit zones of delusion" - harmful mindsets like savior complexes, scarcity thinking, and the glorification of burnout that plague the sector. The conversation explores how nonprofit professionals have been conditioned to "do more with less," making them uniquely equipped to face current challenges while emphasizing the critical importance of rest and resilience. Loretta also discusses how funders can meaningfully invest in wellbeing by moving beyond one-off grants to supporting sustainable organizational cultures where wellbeing is integrated into strategic planning. This timely episode offers both practical wisdom and inspiration for nonprofit leaders navigating an era of attacks on the sector. Loretta explains her involvement with the Talent Justice movement and shares exciting initiatives from Do Good Leadership Collective, including monthly "slowdown events" in San Diego and the development of a coaching collective specifically for nonprofit professionals. Whether you're experiencing burnout, looking to create a more supportive organizational culture, or seeking to fund wellbeing effectively, this conversation provides frameworks and strategies to help social impact professionals not just survive, but thrive in their important work. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources at fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast . Bio Loretta is an exceptional conscious social entrepreneur, leadership coach, and advocate for talent justice and workplace wellbeing. As the Founder of Do Good Leadership Collective, Loretta’s work focuses on helping nonprofit and social impact professionals prioritize healing, sustainability, and wellbeing in their work. She brings nearly 15 years of experience as both a nonprofit leader and wellness practitioner to her work, alongside a deep trust in and connection to ancestral wisdom. Loretta believes in helping the helpers, and knows that sustainable impact is only possible when we lead with a sense of care and belonging for ourselves and those around us. Resources Loretta Turner on LinkedIn Do Good Leadership Collective Stress Performance Curve Zones of Delusion…
This episode offers a valuable, concrete opportunity for funders to collectively and individually support their grantee organizations and the nonprofit sector, and to break out of a period of general confusion, silence, and inaction. In this fourth installment of our bi-weekly “Defend Nonprofit, Defend Democracy” Series, host Rusty Stahl sits down in-person with Shaady Salehi , co-executive director of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project. They discuss a new action pledge designed to unite philanthropic funders in support of nonprofits in this new political period of political attacks on nonprofits and philanthropy, fear of speaking out, destabilized government funding, and increasing demand on nonprofits. Shaady introduces the "Commitment for Trust-Based Action," a funder pledge developed by Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, and the National Center for Family Philanthropy. The pledge outlines three key commitments: moving in solidarity with nonprofits; mobilizing money in a trust-based way; and nurturing possibility and innovation. The conversation highlights how nonprofits are facing unprecedented challenges, with 90% reporting negative impacts from federal policies. Salehi emphasizes practical actions funders can take, including offering multiyear unrestricted funding, increasing grant budgets, simplifying application processes, and considering alternative funding structures like gifts instead of grants. She explains these recommendations were developed by listening directly to nonprofit leaders who reported feeling isolated and pulled in different directions by uncoordinated funder responses. Salehi also discusses how this commitment addresses the need to resource nonprofit leaders' creativity and strategic thinking as they reimagine their work for a dramatically different future. She encourages foundations to support connection and convening among nonprofits and explore creative funding opportunities beyond traditional 501c3 structures. The initiative aims to create a united front for the social sector during turbulent times, with Salehi inviting both funders to sign on and nonprofits to share the commitment with their funders to start conversations. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources at fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast . Bio Shaady Salehi is the co-executive director of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project , a 5-year learning and advocacy initiative to make trust-based practices the norm in the philanthropic sector. Throughout her career, Shaady has worked in various social sectors using strategic communications to galvanize coalitions, establish legacies, generate buy-in, and strengthen networks. Previously, Shaady was Managing Director of Distribution and Impact at ITVS , where she led a team to advance the reach and impact of documentaries on public television. Prior to ITVS, she was Executive Director of Active Voice , a pioneering organization that uses storytelling to catalyze social change. Shaady is a 2014 Aspen Institute Fellow and sits on the board of Let It Ripple, a nonprofit that experiments with collaborative filmmaking for the common good. She holds an M.S. in Strategic Communications from Columbia University, an M.A. in Anthropology from UC Davis, and a B.A. in Anthropology from Oberlin College. Resources Meet the Moment: A Call to Action for Philanthropy CEP report: How U.S. Nonprofit Leaders Are Experiencing the Political Context Trust-Based Philanthropy Project Grantmakers for Effective Organizations National Center for Family Philanthropy…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
In this episode, host Rusty Stahl speaks with Aria Florant , co-founder and CEO of Liberation Ventures (LV), about navigating internal conflict within nonprofits. Aria shares her personal experiences and challenges in leading LV, particularly around issues of power dynamics and organizational culture. Liberation Ventures is a grantmaking intermediary that works toward reparations for slavery. Rusty and Aria talk about the complexities of power within nonprofits, including the need for leaders to acknowledge and mindfully wield their power. They also discuss the importance of creating a culture of repair, where conflict is addressed openly and proactively, and where staff members at all levels feel empowered. This episode gives actionable insights for nonprofit leaders and funders, and advocates for greater investment in organizational wellness and practices that support healthy team dynamics. Tune in to hear how addressing internal issues is crucial not only for the well-being of staff but also for the overall effectiveness and impact of the organization. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources at fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast . Resources Liberation Ventures: A Dream in Our Name, by Aria Florant we will not cancel us, by adrienne maree brown Building Resilient Organizations, by Maurice Mitchell The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves, by Shawn A. Ginwright, PhD My Grandmother’s Hands, by Resmaa Menakem What it Takes to Heal, by Prentis Hemphill Elite Capture: How the Powerful Took Over Identity Politics (And Everything Else), by Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò Building a Reparative Organization and Nation, by Aria Florant Liberation Ventures_Building A Reparative Organization_Framework & Tool Karla Monterosso Dr. Resmaa Menakem…
In the third installment of our "Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy" series, Fund the People’s President and CEO Rusty Stahl discusses recent attacks on the nonprofit sector by the Trump Administration. He lifts up one recent example: an order to change to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The administration's executive order would disqualify service at nonprofits or government agencies working on issues like immigrant rights, equity and inclusion, and LGBTQ rights from counting toward loan forgiveness, effectively targeting both workers in public service careers, and the communities they serve. Stahl examines how these attacks are part of an integrated approach by the administration that simultaneously targets marginalized communities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the First Amendment of the Constitution —undermining legal and civic infrastructure that has long enjoyed bipartisan support. He notes that this approach is more authoritarian than previous administrations as it not only scapegoats vulnerable populations but also attacks the platforms through which people organize and solve problems. The podcast highlights the growing tension between nonprofits and philanthropic funders, with many foundations hesitant to speak out for fear of retaliation. Stahl acknowledges that some foundations like Robert Wood Johnson, Barr Foundation, and Public Welfare Foundation have issued strong statements, made emergency funds available, ir increased payout, but encourages more individual and collective action. He concludes by urging listeners to share stories of harm experienced by nonprofits through various data collection initiatives to help advocates and policymakers understand the real-world impact of these attacks. Resources National Council of Nonprofits https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/form/effects-executive-actions-nonprofits Building Movement Project bit.ly/bmp-np-survey Chronicle of Philanthropy https://www.philanthropy.com/article/is-trumps-second-term-affecting-your-nonprofit Massachusetts Nonprofit Network and the Boston Foundation https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8186064/TBF North Carolina Center for Nonprofits https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CyIwW5M9stso2uhLqxXYOIsZFCyc4_9qkIzHqt3pP5Y/viewform?edit_requested=true Minnesota Council of Nonprofits https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=sAFEEhMFb06lYlyGZA4tWfceH_gnu0pDhG07nKeU4opUQ0NaR1NXUDFRNDRXTU9NWEhDMk5DOFNSUS4u One Voice Central Texas https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvPDaZDzOQE_g3K7hYZvoMaO6-RYwD_HJNng0j12hG4ViKwQ/viewform Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement “Delaware Nonprofits and the Impact of “Executive Orders and Federal Policy Changes” (Report) https://delawarenonprofit.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DANA-Survey-on-EO-Impacts-on-DE-Nonprofits-FINAL.pdf “Survey Reveals Delaware Nonprofits at Risk Due to Federal Funding Issues” ( Press Release on Report) https://delawarenonprofit.org/blog/federal-funding-freeze-impacts-on-nonprofits/…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
In this episode, you’ll get an inside view of the contradictions funders face when it comes to investing in the nonprofit workforce. And you’ll get the back-story of how Fund the People’s California Talent Justice Summit came to be. Fund the People’s President and CEO, Rusty Stahl, speaks with Leslie Payne , a former Initiative Director at the James Irvine Foundation, and current principal at Penlight Advising. Leslie shares her journey in recognizing the contradiction of being a workforce and jobs development funder while not addressing job quality in the grantee nonprofits organizations that provide workforce development services to Californians. The conversation explores how this realization led to the California Talent Justice Summit and other initiatives to improve nonprofit job quality. The discussion highlights several tensions in addressing nonprofit job quality, including funding restrictions, wage compression, and sustainability challenges. Leslie emphasizes the importance of funders using their voice alongside their dollars, nonprofits understanding their full costs, and creating mechanisms for staff input. A recurring theme is the need for nonprofit leaders to develop the capacity to say "no" to certain opportunities when they would compromise staff wellbeing, even when the work would benefit communities they serve. Tune in to hear about these key points: The contradiction of being a ‘quality jobs funder’ while not addressing job quality in nonprofits that are grantees and where funders had the most influence. Program-specific funding can create pay inequity within nonprofit organizations when funders mandate higher wages only for staff in funded programs. Wage compression occurs when raising the floor of wages without raising the ceiling, causing resentment among longer-tenured or higher-responsibility staff. Trust-based philanthropy is complicated when it becomes specific about job quality standards, creating tension in funder-grantee relationships. Program-specific grants are particularly problematic compared to general operating support, which provides flexibility while funders can still use their voice to encourage better job quality. Nonprofits face constant pressure to grow and innovate, but lack incentives or tolerance to stop programs even when staff are stretched thin. Leaders need to build the capacity to say "no" to certain opportunities and create mechanisms for staff input on priorities and job quality needs. Bio Leslie Payne has worked for mission-driven organizations throughout her career including work in philanthropic advising, financial services for the underbanked, and digital organizing. She was most recently an Initiative Director at the James Irvine Foundation where she oversaw grantmaking related to job access and economic justice. She now works as an independent consultant focused on participatory strategy development. Resources Leslie Payne on LinkedIn https://haassr.org/blog/we-need-to-talk-about-nonprofitjob-quality-more/ https://ncg.org/news/resourcing-nonprofit-ecosystem-our-first-line-defense Nneka Payne podcast episode You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources at fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast .…
In this second installment of our "Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy" series, host Rusty Stahl shares insights from his recent experience at the 22nd annual Foundations on the Hill event in Washington, DC. Drawing from meetings with congressional staff and discussions with philanthropic colleagues, Rusty offers reflections and actionable ideas for addressing the political and policy threats to our sector. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining hope and agency in the face of significant challenges, Rusty highlights the unique role of nonprofits in driving social change. He calls for greater solidarity among nonprofit infrastructure groups, funders, and government leaders, and provides practical advice for listeners on how to support and strengthen the sector. From educating policymakers about the nonprofit workforce to leveraging voter support and supporting key legislative initiatives, Rusty offers a roadmap for nonprofit professionals to actively defend and advance their critical work. The episode serves as a call to action for nonprofit leaders to engage in advocacy, share their stories, and support organizations fighting for the sector's interests. Resources: Foundations on the Hill United Philanthropy Forum Council on Foundations Independent Sector Philanthropy New York New York Funders Alliance National Council on Nonprofits (and donation page) Charitable Act 2025 Senator James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma Nonprofit Finance Fund's 2025 State of the Nonprofit Sector Survey Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (and donation page ) The National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) is collecting information about how the executive orders have impacted U.S. nonprofits so far. Share your org's story directly with NCN via this form . You can find NCN's summary of the Executive Orders and their impact on nonprofits here (updated Feb. 7). NCN's overview page about what's happening with the administration, background info, its impact on nonprofits, and more . After collecting the pressing concerns of nonprofits across the country in their recent webinar, and through their survey on the observed impact of the recent executive orders and actions, NCN created a new document with the latest answers to frequently asked questions. Check back often as they will be updating this link as new information surfaces. Visit www.fundthepeople.org for more!…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
In this enlightening episode, you’’ll learn how a growing group of funders is thinking about wellbeing – for grantees and themselves. Laura Bacon, strategy lead and facilitator of the Funders and Wellbeing Group, discusses how this new global group of a dozen foundations is working to transform philanthropic culture with regard to wellbeing. Through regular virtual meetings and annual in-person gatherings, the group explores ways to support both individual and organizational wellbeing in the social sector. Their recent retreat in Malaysia highlighted how many nonprofit staff challenges related to wellbeing are universal, from shrinking civic spaces to staff burnout and retention issues. The conversation emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining focus on wellbeing initiatives during challenging times, particularly in the current political climate where social justice work and the nonprofit sector face significant pressures. Laura advocates for funders to be more flexible and generous in their support, while ensuring that wellbeing remains a priority rather than an optional add-on in grantmaking practices. Laura shares her journey from musician to social change advocate, and her extensive experience in philanthropy and wellbeing initiatives. As the former founding director of the Partner Support Program at Luminate (an Omidyar foundation), she established wellbeing stipends for grantee organizations, allowing them to address their staff's needs with maximum flexibility. The program distributed about 71 grants totaling $350,000, which organizations used for various purposes from team retreats to mental health support. Biography: For more than two decades, Laura Bacon has designed programs and led projects and teams to achieve social impact around the world. She’s currently an independent consultant, partnering with clients on a host of cool initiatives. One of her roles includes Strategy Lead and Facilitator of the Funders + Wellbeing Group at The Wellbeing Project, where she facilitates peer-learning and convenings among a dozen funders to enhance wellbeing for individuals, organizations, sectors, and communities. Previously, Laura was founding director of the Partner Support program at Luminate, a global philanthropic organization that is part of the Omidyar Group, where she supported over 300 grantee partners to achieve their goals of being more resilient, healthy & inclusive, and well-networked. Before working at Luminate / Omidyar Network, Laura was a White House Fellow focused on clean energy. Resources: laura.m.bacon@gmail.com LinkedIn Funders & Wellbeing Group Website Wellbeing Project website The Wellbeing Project - Global Hearth Summit in Slovenia College course: Personal Choice and Global Transformation Global Values 101 , a book based on the above course, edited by Brian Palmer, Kate Holbrook, Ann S. Kim, Anna Portnoy Rights and Dignity Working Group (piloted Wellness stipends - a cross-Omidyar Group initiative) Astraea Lesbian Foundation For Justice (inspiration for wellness stipends) https://astraeafoundation.org - Healing Justice stipend General Service Foundation (inspiration for wellness stipends): https://generalservice.org/whatwefund/healingjustice/ - Fund the People podcast interview with Desiree Flores Priya Parker book “ The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters” Deepa Iyer’s Social Change Ecosystem Role Map Prospera , the International Network of Women’s Funders , doing great work on wellbeing Laura’s Blog posts on Partner Support, Coaching Stipend, Wellbeing Stipends: Luminate & Omidyar Group (philanthropy I worked with for 10+ years) * Here's more info about the Partner Support program of which I was the founding director Blogs ( first and second ) about Luminate's wellbeing stipend Luminate's coaching stipend Grantee Perception Reports ( 2020 and 2023 ) Funders & Wellbeing Group "FundWell" newsletter about our funders' retreat in Malaysia…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
Welcome to the Fund the People Podcast and our new special series, “Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy.” Why “Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy”? Because powerful nonprofits are part of a strong democracy, and a strong democracy benefits from powerful nonprofits. When nonprofits are under attack, democracy is under attack. And when democracy is at risk, nonprofits are at risk. It’s clear that investing in the nonprofit workforce (both paid and unpaid) is crucial to building powerful nonprofits. The Trump Administration’s anti-American attacks on philanthropy and the nonprofit sector are already weakening our democracy. And these attacks are also destabilizing nonprofit jobs in the U.S. and around the world, and creating extreme and unnecessary strain on nonprofit people and the communities we serve. Listen to FTP Podcast host Rusty Stahl as he launches the Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Campaign to understand and frame the issues, inform the sector about what’s happening; and mobilize the sector and the country to protect and strengthen our treasured nonprofits. As part of that effort, he will be discussing these current affairs here on the podcast every other Wednesday morning on our Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy episodes. These episodes will provide valuable updates, commentary, analysis, calls to action, and special surprises, of course. For more info, check our website at www.fundthepeople.org! Resources: https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/native-american-philanthropy https://causeinspiredmedia.com/news-article/brief-history-tax-exempt-sector/#:~:text=The%20Wilson%2DGorman%20Tariff%20Act,exempt%20status%20for%20charitable%20organizations . https://www.franklinva.com/government/departments/fire-and-rescue/fire-and-rescue-history/ https://www.paabolition.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Morris_(financier) National Webinar: Executive Actions and their Impact on Charitable Nonprofits (57:38) recording and slides , National Council of Nonprofits, Feb. 7, 2025. The Impacts of the Recent Executive Orders on Nonprofits , National Council of Nonprofits, updated regularly. Webform: Effects of Executive Actions on Nonprofits – Please complete if your organization is continuing to experience issues with federal funding Resources to navigate uncertainty , Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Feb. 7, 2025. Contact your members of Congress…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
In this episode of the Fund The People Podcast, you’ll get an inside view of one foundation’s journey to investing in healthy nonprofit executive transitions - and helping other funders to do the same. Host Rusty Stahl sits down with Liz Sak , Executive Director of Cricket Island Foundation , and Hana Sun , a consultant who manages the Foundation’s Leadership Transition Fund. They discuss Cricket Island Foundation's approach to supporting nonprofit leadership transitions, particularly for small, grassroots organizations focused on youth organizing. The foundation provides three-year grants of $45,000 per year to help organizations navigate the before, during, and after phases of executive transitions. Often funders unintentionally create barriers to healthy grantee leadership transitions, with many nonprofit leaders hesitant to openly discuss their plans to leave due to fears of lost or postponed funding. Cricket Island Foundation addressed this by publicly signaling their supportive stance toward transitions, creating a firewall between the foundation and grantees through an external consultant, establishing peer-learning cohorts for transitioning leaders, and developing resources for both nonprofits and funders through the Leading Forward initiative. The discussion emphasizes that successful transitions require long-term planning, adequate resources, and a supportive funding ecosystem. We also talk about the importance of normalizing conversations about transitions and creating safe spaces for leaders to explore their future plans. Resources: Cricket Island Leading Forward Leadership Learning Community Building Movement Project “Could Term Limits for Nonprofit Leaders Ease the Burnout Crisis?” by Chitra Aiyar , Chronicle of Philanthropy , Jan. 7, 2025 “Supporting Nonprofit Leadership Transitions: A Foundation's Journey” July 2024 ciftransitions@gmail.com Liz Sak Liz Sak became the second Executive Director of the Cricket Island Foundation in 2008, overseeing all aspects of the Foundation’s management including finance, program development, grantmaking, and field-building. Prior to joining the foundation, Liz spent more than two decades running non-profit organizations. This work included securing millions of dollars of public investment in youth development work in the South Bronx which culminated in her securing funding for the Phipps Beacon School, a multi-service initiative serving young people and families; Liz served as the inaugural director of that program. She has since led organizations at the intersection of youth-organizing, the arts, and youth-development, developing public-private partnerships in support of that work. Since her move to philanthropy in 2008, Liz has focused on the development of strategies that are grounded in principles of social justice philanthropy, organizational strengthening, and partnership. She recently co-authored an article on evaluation for The Foundation Review and her writing has appeared in the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Foundation Center, and numerous blogs. Liz holds a BA in political science from Lehigh University and an MBA from the Yale School of Management. Hana Sun Hana has 15 years of experience in facilitation, curriculum design, community building, and organizational leadership. She has held previous roles at New Economy Coalition, Third Wave Fund, Global Action Project, Mozilla Foundation, Cricket Island Foundation, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, Hawaii Public Schools, and more. She has a master’s degree from Columbia University School of Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in Literature and Dance Studies from Smith College. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources at fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast .…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
Arum Lee Lansel , founder of ALL-in 4 Impact, shares her unique career journey from fashion design to international development, philanthropy, and venture capital. Driven by her immigrant family's experience and desire to create more equity, she has developed a deep understanding of how organizations can better support their employees. Her perspective bridges the worlds of venture capital and nonprofit sectors, highlighting the critical importance of investing in talent. Drawing from her experiences at the Packard Foundation, and at the venture capital firm General Catalyst, Arum discusses the key lessons that philanthropy can learn from venture capital, particularly the emphasis on investing in people as the primary driver of organizational success. She introduces her "Thrive" model, a practical framework for nonprofit leaders to systematically improve their workplace environment, which consists of three levels: stabilize (basic compliance), support (creating conditions for best work), and sustain (building a culture of innovation and well-being). In the episode, Arum argues that funders and nonprofit leaders must recognize that the success of their mission depends directly on the health, engagement, and development of their employees. By providing resources, creating supportive structures, and giving staff space to breathe and innovate, organizations can dramatically improve their impact and effectiveness. Key Takeaways: Nonprofit success is fundamentally tied to investing in and supporting staff, not just program outputs. The "Thrive" model provides a structured approach for nonprofits to progressively improve their workplace environment. Funders should view staff investment as a critical strategy for maximizing organizational impact, similar to venture capital's approach. Creating "space to breathe" for nonprofit workers is a form of equity and resource allocation that enables innovation and sustainability. Small nonprofits can start improving their workplace with affordable, targeted interventions, even without a full-time HR staff. Bio: Arum Lee Lansel is an accomplished leader with two decades of experience in the nonprofit, philanthropy, international development, and venture capital sectors. Arum’s journey has taken her through vastly different work cultures and operating environments. Formerly she was Vice President of Learning & Development at General Catalyst , a leading venture capital firm with over $32 billion in assets under management. At GC she served as an HR leader where she led change management, shaped the culture, and designed employee development and performance management systems using a growth-mindset lens. She is certified in Employee Relations & Investigations and has led many trainings and facilitated tough conversations. Arum designed and spearheaded GC’s first racial equity initiative and helped GC become a DEI leader within the VC industry. Arum led program operations at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation . She worked with nonprofits across the globe to support their organizational effectiveness and designed capacity building strategies. She helped shape the organizational effectiveness team’s theory of change and designed and led monitoring, evaluation, and learning strategies. Arum was also a core member of the initial funder collaborative of several large foundations working to combat the “nonprofit starvation cycle” and encourage funders to give unrestricted grants and pay for the real, indirect costs nonprofits incur to fulfill their mission. Resources: ALL-in 4 Impact Arum@allin4impact.com Arum Lansel on LinkedIn Buying vs Building Talent-value chain document in FTP Toolkit Jamaica Maxwell podcast episode You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources at fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast .…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
In this episode of the Fund the People podcast, host Rusty Stahl interviews Nneka Payne , Executive Director of Choose 180, a Seattle-area nonprofit that transforms oppressive systems and supports young people's healing and development. Payne shares her personal journey from experiencing the juvenile legal system firsthand to leading an organization that provides alternatives to prosecution and incarceration for youth. Choose 180 has grown from one program to eight, expanding from court-based diversion to include mental health services, gun violence prevention, and other support services. The conversation focuses on Choose 180's groundbreaking decision to establish a minimum salary floor of $70,000 (now $73,000) for all employees, up from previous wages that hovered around $45,000-$50,000. This transformation occurred rapidly - within 4-6 weeks - during the pandemic, driven by staff advocacy and leadership's commitment to addressing financial stress among employees. The organization worked with compensation consultants and engaged their board to make this significant change, despite the uncertainties of nonprofit funding. The results of this wage increase have been transformative for both staff and program participants. The organization has actually grown its staff from about 20 to 32 people, while maintaining strong program outcomes. Choose 180 has also expanded its employee benefits to include wellness stipends, homeownership education, and other resources. Nneka emphasizes that when staff aren't burdened by financial stress, they can focus more fully on serving participants, leading to better outcomes and stronger community impact. Bio: Nneka Payne Nneka is a relationship-focused and mission-driven leader who holds a dynamic background spanning a decade across community-based organizations, human services, and the legal system. Rooted in her firsthand experiences with the King County juvenile legal system, the mission of CHOOSE 180 is deeply personal for her. She has witnessed how the strain between systems, processes, and people create significant gaps and limit opportunities for young people and is committed to eliminating those strains and identifying possibilities. Links to Resources: CHOOSE 180 website CHOOSE 180 on Instagram CHOOSE 180 programs Contact CHOOSE 180 (206) 457-8940 FTP Podcast episode Talent Matters Remix, Part III: Culture of Care - with Michele Booth Cole FTP Podcast episode Compensation Philosophy for Your Nonprofit - with Mala Nagarajan, Vega Mala Consulting FTP Podcast episode Getting Retirement Right – Tips for Nonprofit Employers - with Chitra Aiyar, Just Futures Go to our website for a transcript of this episode and links to the resources discussed in the episode. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources on our website, fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast .…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
In this illuminating episode of the Fund The People podcast, Geoff Green , CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits), provides a masterclass on the economic and political power of California's nonprofit sector. Green explains how nonprofits, as the fourth-largest employer in California with 1.2 million workers, are often tasked with addressing the "externalized costs" of both business and government - from poverty wages to environmental degradation - yet are chronically underfunded and undervalued in policy discussions. The conversation delves into the critical challenges facing nonprofit workers, including delayed government payments, inadequate overhead rates, and the fact that 22% of nonprofit workers struggle to make ends meet. Green discusses CalNonprofits' legislative efforts to reform government contracting and shares a promising new Los Angeles initiative that ensures wage equity across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He emphasizes that for every $20 of public expenditure, there is only $1 of charitable funding - highlighting why nonprofits must build political power to influence how public dollars are spent rather than simply providing services on the cheap. Key Points: Learn why nonprofits are California's fourth-largest employer and how they're transforming their economic power into political influence Discover why "working on the cheap" hurts both nonprofit workers and the communities they serve Get an insider's perspective on recent legislative wins and ongoing battles to reform government contracting with nonprofits Understand the complex relationship between labor unions and nonprofits, and innovative solutions for wage equity across sectors Hear about new research showing how Trump-era tax changes resulted in $20 billion less in charitable giving, and what this means for the sector. Bio: Geoff Green is CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits), a statewide policy alliance of more than 10,000 nonprofits speaking to government, philanthropy, and the public at large. A long-time CalNonprofits board member, Geoff previously served as CEO of the Santa Barbara City College Foundation. With more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, he has worked on a wide variety of issues including affordable housing, access to education, racial equity, and environmental protection. Under Green’s nine years of leadership, the SBCC Foundation raised over $50 million to support student success programs. In 2016 he led the creation of the SBCC Promise, a groundbreaking initiative that offers all recent, local high school graduates the opportunity to attend college full-time at no cost. You can reach Geoff by email: Geoffg[at]calnonprofits[dot]org. Resources: NONPROFIT WORKFORCE: ALICE in the Nonprofit Workforce (2024) GENERAL PHILANTHROPY / NONPROFIT DATA: CalNonprofits "Causes Count" Study (2019) 2024 Giving USA Report Summary 2024 Giving USA Infographic TAX ISSUES: "How the 2017 Tax Law Made Itemized Charitable Giving a Luxury Good" by the American Enterprise Institute (2024) National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) Tax Policy Proposal (Oct 2024) DONOR ADVISED FUNDS: CA Attorney General Survey of Donor Advised Funds : (from 2021) DAF Research Collaborative Report : (released February 15, 2024) National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) 2023 DAF Report : (released November 14, 2023) Podcast episode with Jan Masaoka, former CEO of CalNonprofits Go to our website for a transcript of this episode and links to the resources discussed in the episode. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources on our website, fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast .…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
When politicians and elected officials try to brand nonprofits as “thugs,” “sleazebags,” and “terror-supporting orgs”, will you freeze? Take flight? Or stand up and fight back? In this episode, you’ll get: Tips on how the incoming Trump Administration may behave toward philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, and some important ways your organization can prepare and respond; An overview of what FTP did for nonprofit workers in 2024, how we’ll build on that work in 2025, and how you can plug-in; and You’ll get a sneak peak of what’s up next on FTP Podcast S7 There’s a lot going on in our country right now: A transition of power to what may be the most anti-nonprofit administration in history; the death and funeral of President Jimmy Carter; and the devastating wildfires in Southern California. It’s a mind-boggling moment. But as leaders of the nonprofit workforce, we have to keep our heads on straight and keep our hearts regulated. We make civic life possible. And when government and business fail, we fill in the missing pieces. America needs philanthropy and the nonprofit sector to be strong and enduring now and this year and in the coming years. In the first half of this solo episode, Rusty shares three ways the Trump Administration may behave toward nonprofits and philanthropy, and offers three recent examples that inform these assumptions. He implores listeners and the entire sector to not just prepare to defend and protect our own organizations, but to speak out in defense of the entire sector, and to communicate boldly and proudly about the value of the sector and our workforce for our economy, democracy, and communities. In the second half of the episode, Rusty updates you on what Fund the People did for the nonprofit workforce in 2024, and how we will keep this work going in 2025. And he ends with a sneak peak of some of the upcoming guests and topics in the next set of episodes in Season 7 of the Fund the People Podcast. Resources: Fund the People one-page overview Funding that Works Academy Talent Justice Pledge Strong Nonprofit, Strong Democracy Toolkit Stop the Nonprofit-Killer Bill (HR 9495) Toolkit (archived from 2024) Follow Fund the People on LinkedIn Follow Rusty Stahl on LinkedIn Go to our website for a transcript of this episode and links to the resources discussed in the episode. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources on our website, fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast .…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
Pay equity is a critical factor in attracting and retaining talent in the nonprofit sector, and organizations need to address pay disparities to ensure their long-term sustainability. Our guest today is Sally Loftis , Managing Director of Loftis Partners, who discussed pay equity and the importance of investing in staff. We talk about the challenges faced by nonprofits in attracting and retaining talent, emphasizing the need for competitive pay and benefits that reflect the rising cost of living. We also discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nonprofit workforce and the need for organizations to adapt to the changing needs of their employees. Ongoing feedback mechanisms and a commitment to understanding the systemic needs of employees are essential for creating a workplace culture that is not just equitable, but also sustainable. Guest Bio Loftis Partners is a 100% woman-owned human resources consulting firm that works at the intersection of human resources, organization improvement, and social change. Sally founded Loftis Partners after working internally as a strategic HR practitioner. Since 2020, she's worked with 60+ organizations across 15 states and 3 continents. Resources Loftis Partners Pay Equity Collective — Loftis Partners https://fundthepeople.org/toolkit/casemaking/value-chain/ Buy the book: The Pay Equity Guide for Nonprofit Organizations Instagram Go to our website for a transcript of this episode and links to the resources discussed in the episode. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources on our website, fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast .…
On this episode of the Fund the People Podcast (S7:E4), you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the threats to nonprofits, civil society, and social movements around the world. And you’ll hear how one global funder has responded. Our guest today is Jamaica Maxwell , the Civil Society and Leadership Director at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. We discuss the challenges faced by civil society globally, including shrinking civic space and threats to individuals and organizations working on critical issues like climate change and reproductive rights. She shares how the Packard Foundation’s efforts to respond to these threats, and how the Foundation’s work has evolved from using an ‘organizational effectiveness’ frame to a more holistic approach to supporting civil society, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of leaders, organizations, networks, movements, infrastructure, and civic space. Resources: The David & Lucile Packard Foundation Public Installation, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California CSL Strategy Website Blog when the strategy launched (includes great short video ) Funders Initiative for Civil Society Great report from FICS on civic space Human Rights Funders Network Better Preparedness Initiative Trust, Accountability, and Inclusion Collaborative WINGS CIVICUS Ford BUILD evaluation Guest Bio: Jamaica Maxwell is the Civil Society and Leadership director at the Packard Foundation where she oversees grantmaking in support of strong leaders, organizations, and movements, and a thriving civil society across the Foundation’s goal areas and global geographies in Asia, Africa, South America, and North America. Jamaica is passionate about shifting systems and power to improve outcomes for the environment and people. She believes that durable progress on the critical issues of our day will only occur when we apply a systems approach and invest deeply in the people closest to the problem. Jamaica has worked to support civil society leaders and organizations for over 20 years. She joined the Packard Foundation in 2013 as a program officer supporting the Foundation’s organizational effectiveness grantmaking to partners working on climate mitigation, ocean conservation, and reproductive health in the U.S., Asia, and Latin America. Before joining the Foundation, Jamaica spent 11 years at California Environmental Associates, where she gained deep experience providing strategic and organizational guidance to nonprofits, foundations, and businesses, with particular expertise in climate change, biodiversity conservation, and food systems. During this time, she supported the design and launch of several new climate-focused institutions. In addition, Jamaica ran her own organizational development consulting firm and served as the founding program director for the Roots of Change Fund, a nonprofit and funders’ collaborative working to increase the sustainability of California’s food system. Jamaica holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brown University and a master’s degree in writing from the University of San Francisco. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, two children, and one very large rescue dog. She enjoys walking her dog in the fog, trying new foods, and traveling with her family to beautiful cities and wild places, near and far. Go to our website for a transcript of this episode and links to the resources discussed in the episode. You can find all the episodes of this podcast plus our blog, toolkit and other resources on our website, fundthepeople.org . And we invite you to learn from all the amazing past guests of Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast .…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
In this episode, you’ll garner an important perspective on the nonprofit and philanthropic community from a professional coach who helps Black women executive leaders navigate the white spaces of our sector. Guest Kelli King-Jackson reflects on the impact of racial politics on organizational culture. We discuss the need for nonprofits to adapt to a changing workforce, including generational differences in communication styles. And we talk about how foundations can be more responsive to the needs of grantees and embrace rapid change. Resources: Kelli King-Jackson’s website Love X Freedom : A Home for Black Women Leaders ABFE Fellowship: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities Kelli King-Jackson on LinkedIn Guest Bio: Kelli King-Jackson Kelli is the founder of Kelli King-Jackson, LLC , a social impact firm that advises leaders and organizations committed to investments in Black communities in the South. For 25 years, Kelli has been in the social sector having worked with both nonprofits and foundations. She has skillfully formed strategic partnerships, built effective teams, and made funding recommendations throughout her career. Kelli is a leadership coach to Black women and femmes leading in white spaces. To date, she has coached for more than 500 hours. Kelli considers it a privilege to witness the transformation of leaders and how this impacts their teams, organizations, and communities. Having spent ten years in philanthropy, Kelli has helped grant more than $135M in funding to the Southern United States. She continues to use her expertise to advise grantmakers on making equitable investments in communities of color. Kelli also advises Black-led nonprofits seeking to form meaningful partnerships with philanthropic organizations. Kelli is an ACC-level coach with the International Coaching Federation and a 21/64 certified philanthropic advisor . Additionally, she is a member of the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers . Through board service and her philanthropy, Kelli remains hands-on in social impact work. In her free time, Kelli hosts discussions on upcoming elections and amplifies ways to support local, Black-led organizations. Kelli is also a sought-after speaker, an avid writer, and an occasional crafter. For more resources, check out our show notes page at https://fundthepeople.org/coaching-black-women-leaders/…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
In this episode, you'll get a free-wheeling, big picture view of how organized philanthropy does and does not address issues impacting the nonprofit workforce. Inside Philanthropy journalist Dawn Wolfe writes about how funding for living wages and other fundamental matters related to nonprofit staffing. Why should we all be 'following the money'? Why should the hiring crisis not have come as a surprise to anybody? How are the sector's funding practices actually hurting the groups they are trying to help? Why do funders have incredible influence that they're not using right now? What can you do if you want to be a 'worker-friendly' funder? If a nonprofit speaks up about their challenges with grants, do they get labelled as problematic? We discuss these questions and more. Resources: Nonprofit Leaders Need a Break * Nonprofit Employees are Burned Out * Report on Trust in Civil Society Reveals Decline in Nonprofit Trust NCN Report on Nonprofit Hiring Crisis 2023 * A Foundation Offers Some Relief to Exhausted Nonprofit Staff * Nonprofit Homeless Response: Staff Struggle to Afford Housing * Three Decades of Efforts to get Funders to Support the Real Costs of Nonprofits * The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle What Makes a Funder Worker-Friendly? Here's a Handy Report Card * This Bay Area Grantmaker is Pushing for Good Nonprofit Jobs. Will Other Funders Take a Cue? Crappy Funding Practices Crappy Funding Practices Gives Nonprofit Professionals a Chance to Vent. It Might Also Make a Difference * Guest Bio: Dawn Wolfe returned to journalism in 2018 after a long time spent in the wilderness of nonprofit and small business communications consulting, where her experiences include ghostwriting a book on major gifts fundraising, writing speeches for a suicide-prevention conference, and coordinating events and raising sponsorship funds for a small foster children's charity. Prior to becoming a Staff Writer at Inside Philanthropy, Dawn covered LGBTQ issues for Michigan's Between The Lines, a wide range of topics as a paid freelancer at Daily Kos, and criminal justice problems and reform movements for The Appeal. She has studied Western European sword-fighting as a martial art, is passionate about strength training, and lives with her spouse and three rescue cats in Michigan. **Please note the Inside Philanthropy articles are behind a paywall. Links to these and more resources are found on our podcast's show notes page .…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
1 Do Funders Understand the Nonprofit Burnout Crisis? 1:04:08
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Später Spielen Später Spielen Listen Gefällt mir GelikedAs the nonprofit workforce crisis evolves into 2025, how funders respond to nonprofit burnout, compensation, recruitment, and retention challenges will be more important than ever. After a summer and fall hiatus, we’re back with a brand-new season of Fund the People’s Podcast , featuring insightful guests and valuable resources to help you invest in the nonprofit workforce! Even though we haven’t been publishing, we've been busy behind the scenes! At the start of this episode, you’ll get a sneak-peek into some of the things we’ve been working on. Then we dive into new research from the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) with major takeaways and commentary on the state of the nonprofit workforce. Our guest is Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Ph.D., Vice President of Research at CEP. She shares her journey into social change work, and offers valuable insights on the research findings. We explore two important studies: A survey of nonprofit executives examining “the state of nonprofits in 2024,” with a focus on employee and executive burnout. A survey of foundation professionals, exploring grantmaker attitudes and responses to nonprofit burnout. Fund the People was honored to be part of the research rollout in Summer 2024. We were featured as a resource in one of the CEP reports. Rusty was interviewed for an article about the research . And we contributed a guest post on the CEP blog . In 2023, we hosted a session at CEP’s conference to share examples of how funders can respond to nonprofit burnout, and invited the foundation CEOs who were our panelists - Jamie Allison, Desiree Flores, and Jennifer Roller - to share their work on a special podcast mini-series . Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Ph.D. Biography Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Ph.D. manages CEP’s Research team, leading the creation, development, analysis, and release of various research projects and initiatives relevant to the philanthropic sector’s most pressing issues. Prior to CEP, Dr. Smith Arrillaga was a faculty fellow and professor of practice in philanthropy and education policy at the University of Texas, and she served as executive director of several national and state level nonprofits, including the Dana Center, a national center on math and science education equity and the Education Trust West. Dr. Smith Arrillaga has also served on a range of state and national advisory groups including Google’s Equitable Artificial Intelligence Research Roundtable and has spoken widely at conferences, published articles and op-eds and has been interviewed by various media outlets, including Forbes, the New York Times, and CNN. Resources The Center for Effective Philanthropy State of Nonprofits 2024: What Funders Need to Know How Foundations are Supporting Grantee Wellbeing Building Movement Project Race to Lead Report: Burnout a Major Concern in Nonprofit Sector One MIND at Work To Ensure Nonprofit Well-Being, Invest in Wages, Workload, and Working Conditions Funders: Let’s Stop making Nonprofits Choose Between Balanced Budgets and Burnout State of the Nonprofit Sector 2023: What Funders Need to Know Funders, Listen Up: It's Time to Invest in Nonprofit Workers Funders Supporting Nonprofit Workers podcast playlist - 3 part series from Fund the People Podcast Strengthening Grantees: Foundation and Nonprofit Perspectives Nonprofit Challenges: What Funders Can Do Guide to Investing in Grantee Talent Funding that Works Academy Related Podcast Episodes: Funders Support Nonprofit Workers in Age of Burnout, Part 1 with Jamie Allison, Walter and Elise Haas Fund Funders Support Nonprofit Workers in Age of Burnout, Part 2 with Jennifer Roller, Raymond John Wean Foundation Funders Support Nonprofit Workers in Age of Burnout, Part 3 with Desiree Flores, General Service Foundation Understanding Funders’ Blindspots (CEP’s Grace Nicholette and Phil Buchanan on the FTP Podcast, November 2020)…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
We're launching Season 7 of Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 13! Tune in for interviews with knowledgeable guests as we explore nonprofit workforce funding challenges and success stories.
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
In our Season 6 finale episode, we mark Fund the People's 10th anniversary by launching our new initiative: the Funding that Works Academy . This new professional development platform equips funders, nonprofits, and intermediaries with the ideas and tools needed to provide effective funding solutions that advance good nonprofit jobs, and the wellbeing and sustainability of those working in nonprofits. The Academy was designed to help grant makers and fundraisers move philanthropic money in a way that supports and develops nonprofit leaders and workers. With the Funding that Works Academy courses, you'll learn about the challenges facing our sector in a new way so that you can craft interventions that will address the real problem. Dive into the theory and practice of talent-investing, ensuring that grantmaking and fundraising efforts prioritize people and their pivotal role within the social sector. Our inaugural course is designed for foundation professionals and other types of grantmakers. Future offerings will be tailored to foundation trustees, nonprofit professionals, board members, and individuals in intermediary roles like consultancies, higher education, and associations. To learn about the Academy, visit fundingthatworks.org . To view current and future courses, and sign up to be notified when new courses are available, visit our Shop: bit.ly/fundingthatworksshop . You can also find our Academy, podcast, blog, toolkit, Staffing the Mission, and other resources on our website, fundthepeople.org . Season 6 was sponsored by Loftis Partners . Thank you for your listenership and interest in Fund the People and the Funding that Works Academy. We will talk to you again in Season 7 starting in September 2024.…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
In this brief episode, Rusty offers our loyal listeners a special sneak-peek into a new program offering being announced shortly from Fund the People! Don’t miss the inside scoop! Rusty also wraps-up Season 6 by comparing and contrasting stories from some of our amazing guests this season, and offers two key “Aha! moments:” First: when funders invest in the grantee workforce, it can be extremely big, complicated and costly, or it can be small, simple, and take modest dollars. Or something in between. Second: If nonprofits have the political will and savvy to invest in their workers, they don’t have to wait for funders for other outside forces to give them permission or incentives. Go to our website for a transcript of the episode and links to the resources discussed in the episode. While you’re there, browse our library of amazing guests and conversations from Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast . You can find the podcast, our blog, free tools, and other resources on our website, fundthepeople.org . Season 6 is sponsored by Loftis Partners . They've launched the Pay Equity Collective, a supportive community for nonprofits seeking pathways to pay equity. Visit payequitycollective.com to learn more! Loftis Partners – Empowering organizations and advancing equity, one collective step at a time!…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
1 Place-Based Talent-Investing: Small Scale, Big Value 1:02:58
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Später Spielen Später Spielen Listen Gefällt mir GelikedThis episode makes clear the need for and value of talent-investing for community foundations and other place-focused funders. Our guest, Elizabeth Kidd of the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, demonstrates how even the most modest dollar amounts used in strategic, responsive talent-investing at key inflection points in the lifecycle of leaders and their institutions, can have exponentially positive impact for nonprofit executives, workers, organizations, and communities. Listen to gain an understanding of… Why and how talent-investing has become valuable to the board and staff of the Community Foundation. How the Community Foundation has created and sustained value for grantees and the community through its grantmaking to strengthen the local nonprofit sector. Why it’s important to invest in the nonprofit workforce at key moments of organizational change and across the life-cycle stages of individuals and organizations. Go to our website for a transcript of the episode and links to the resources discussed in the episode. While you’re there, browse our library of amazing guests and conversations from Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast . You can find the podcast, our blog, free tools, and other resources on our website, fundthepeople.org . Season 6 is sponsored by Loftis Partners . They've launched the Pay Equity Collective, a supportive community for nonprofits seeking pathways to pay equity. Visit payequitycollective.com to learn more! Loftis Partners – Empowering organizations and advancing equity, one collective step at a time!…
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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
In this episode, you’ll gain important insights into current issues in the nonprofit workforce, and how professional development is evolving in our sector, particularly but not exclusively as it relates to leaders and workers of color. Our guest is Yolanda Coentro of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice, one of the fastest-growing and most exciting professional development providers for nonprofits. Founded in 2007, the Institute now offers a portfolio of programs that serve nonprofit leaders from early-career all the way through the executive level. Go to our website for a transcript of the episode and links to the resources discussed in the episode. While you’re there, browse our library of amazing guests and conversations from Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast . You can find the podcast, our blog, free tools, and other resources on our website, fundthepeople.org . Season 6 is sponsored by Loftis Partners . They've launched the Pay Equity Collective, a supportive community for nonprofits seeking pathways to pay equity. Visit payequitycollective.com to learn more! Loftis Partners – Empowering organizations and advancing equity, one collective step at a time!…
In today's episode, you'll learn strategies and practical tips for creating happy, healthy, nonprofit workers and workplaces. Our guest Beth Kanter is a leading expert on nonprofit technology and she is co-author of the book Happy, Healthy Nonprofit: Strategies for Impact Without Burnout . You'll learn about tangible tools for preventing burnout at the individual and organizational levels, and learn what is available in her book. We discuss why she wrote the book, how nonprofit wellbeing has changed over the six years since it was published, and what she would write differently if she were writing the book today. We discuss the question: Can better salaries make us less burnout? Beth offers her advice for how artificial intelligence can become part of wellness in nonprofits. And much more! Go to our website for a transcript of the episode and links to the resources discussed in the episode. While you’re there, browse our library of amazing guests and conversations from Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast . You can find the podcast, our blog, free tools, and other resources on our website, fundthepeople.org . Season 6 is sponsored by Loftis Partners . They've launched the Pay Equity Collective , a supportive community for nonprofits seeking pathways to pay equity. Visit payequitycollective.com to learn more! Loftis Partners – Empowering organizations and advancing equity, one collective step at a time!…
Dr. Akilah Watkins is President and CEO of Independent Sector, one of the national organizations that pulls together our sector and represents it in Washington. Dr. Watkins has been on a national listening tour of the nonprofit sector since she took on this leadership role in January 2023. In this episode, she shares what she’s heard about the challenges facing the nonprofit workforce. She also shares how Independent Sector is working to improve the policy environment for nonprofits as employers. Go to our website for a transcript of the episode and links to the resources discussed in the episode. While you’re there, browse our library of amazing guests and conversations from Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast . You can find the podcast, our blog, free tools, and other resources on our website, fundthepeople.org . Season 6 is sponsored by Loftis Partners . They've launched the Pay Equity Collective , a supportive community for nonprofits seeking pathways to pay equity. Visit payequitycollective.com to learn more! Loftis Partners – Empowering organizations and advancing equity, one collective step at a time!…
Have you ever thought that funder-sponsored organizational ‘capacity building’ may be detrimental to nonprofit workers and their communities? Today we talk about concrete ways we could improve the framing and practice of capacity building to better support the brilliance and resilience of diverse nonprofit workers and organizations. Today's guests are Melissa DeShields and Marcus Littles from Frontline Solutions, a Black-owned and -led social change consulting firm. We discuss our guests recent Nonprofit Quarterly articles about why the term “capacity building” should be retired, and ways to improve the practice itself under whatever title it goes by. How can funders think and act differently regarding grantee capacity?And how can nonprofit leaders respond to funders, and/or proactively design their own efforts? Learn more about these questions and more on today’s episode. Go to our website for a transcript of the episode and links to the resources discussed in the episode. While you’re there, browse our library of amazing guests and conversations from Fund the People - A Podcast with Rusty Stahl at fundthepeople.org/ftp_podcast . You can find the podcast, our blog, free tools, and other resources on our website, fundthepeople.org . Season 6 is sponsored by Loftis Partners . They've launched the Pay Equity Collective , a supportive community for nonprofits seeking pathways to pay equity. Visit payequitycollective.com to learn more! Loftis Partners – Empowering organizations and advancing equity, one collective step at a time!…
This episode offers a powerful example of how funders and nonprofits can collaborate and advocate to reform government contracting, so that it works better for the nonprofit sector and the nonprofit workforce. You’ll learn how Mercedes Elizalde (Board member of the Nonprofit Association of Oregon), Felicita Monteblanco (Northwest Health Foundation) and others teamed up to advocate for state contracting reform, and how that resulted in them serving as members of the Governor’s Modernizing Grant Funding and Contracting Task Force. Our powerful guests will help you gain an understanding of: How the nonprofit community can educate and influence our state governments; Advocacy strategies and tactics for influencing government; and Lessons-learned on the challenges and opportunities of legislative approaches to systems change. Go to the page for this episode on our website for a transcript, links to the resources discussed in the episode, and speaker bios. Check out our library of past episodes and amazing guests on the podcast page on our website . You can also find our blog, toolkit, and other resources on the fundthepeople.org website . Season 6 is sponsored by Loftis Partners . They've launched the Pay Equity Collective , a peer-learning experience for nonprofits seeking pathways to pay equity. Visit payequitycollective.com to learn more!…
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