Episodios

  • The Unique Value of the U.S. Nonprofit Workforce (Part 2)

    The Unique Value of the U.S. Nonprofit Workforce (Part 2)
    Apr 15 2026
    In this episode, host Rusty Stahl makes the economic case for valuing the nonprofit workforce—nearly 13 million workers powering 10% of the U.S. private workforce. Drawing on fresh data, he reveals how nonprofits create jobs, stabilize communities during crises, and fuel broader economic growth. If policymakers and funders overlook this workforce, they’re missing one of the most significant economic forces in the country.This is Part 2 of our 3-part miniseries on the value of the nonprofit workforce! In the first episode of the miniseries, Rusty makes a passionate plea for everyone to discuss the value of the nonprofit workforce, and then addresses how nonprofit workers bring value of their communities. Part 3 of the miniseries will discuss the value of the nonprofit workforce for our democracy.Links to Resources:​5 Surprising Facts about the U.S Nonprofit Workforce⁠​CalNonprofits 2019 Causes Count Report Subscribe to Fund the People's YouTube Channel.FTP Podcast Audio on YouTubeFTP Podcast Video on Youtube​FTP Podcast Video ClipsGeorge Mason University:​Nonprofit Employment Data (NED) Project​2024 Nonprofit Employment Data Report⁠​⁠ (national data on nonprofit wages)Spotlight on Nonprofit Wages (nonprofit wages by sub-sector)Nonprofit Employment in the States, 2017-2022 (nonprofit wages by region)​Nonprofit Works Interactive Online Database (explore nonprofit wages by geographic area, sub-sector, and in comparison to for-profit and government)Relevant Episodes:​The Unique Value of the U.S. Nonprofit Workforce - Part 1 (S9:E12, April 8, 2026, 22 minutes)​Making the Nonprofit Workforce Visible - with Dr. Alan Abramson and Chelsea Newhouse, George Mason University (S7:E24, May 21, 2025, 42 minutes)​The Power of the Nonprofit Workforce - with Dr. Lester Salamon, Johns Hopkins University (S1:E4, October 16, 2020, 52 minutes)
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    14 m
  • The Value of the U.S. Nonprofit Workforce - with host Rusty Stahl, Fund the People (Part 1 of 3)

    The Value of the U.S. Nonprofit Workforce - with host Rusty Stahl, Fund the People (Part 1 of 3)
    Apr 8 2026

    “Nonprofit workers are an unspoken part of our social contract.”

    Why do we need to explicitly talk about the value of the nonprofit workforce—especially to people already working within it?

    In this opening episode of a three-part series, Rusty Stahl argues that the nonprofit workforce has long been overlooked in public policy, media narratives, and even within the sector itself. Drawing on insights following Foundations on the Hill 2026, he highlights how nonprofit workers are frequently excluded from major policy debates—even when those policies directly impact their jobs and communities.

    Rusty challenges the dominant “deficit-based” framing of the nonprofit workforce, which focuses on what workers lack, and instead calls for a shift toward an “asset-based” narrative that recognizes the sector’s immense contributions.

    The episode then explores the first dimension of value: community. From meeting basic needs to enabling generosity and envisioning better futures, nonprofit workers are essential to the functioning, resilience, and cohesion of communities across the country.

    In the next episodes of this miniseries:

    • Part 2: The value of the nonprofit workforce to the U.S. economy
    • Part 3: The value of the nonprofit workforce to democracy and liberty

    If this episode resonated with you:

    • Share it with a colleague, funder, or policymaker
    • Leave a review of our show on Apple Podcasts or a comment on Spotify
    • Start conversations in your network about the value of the nonprofit workforce

    Resources & Links

    • Download an edited .pdf transcript of this episode
    • Fund the People: https://fundthepeople.org
    • Email Rusty: rusty@fundthepeople.org

    Related Episodes

    • S9:E11 - The Federal Policy & Propaganda Landscape Facing the Nonprofit Workforce in 2026
    • ⁠S8:E1 - The Trump War on Charity
    • ⁠S7:E4 - Making the Nonprofit Workforce Visible - with Dr. Alan Abrahmson and Chelsea Newhouse, George Mason University⁠
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    22 m
  • The Federal Policy & Propaganda Landscape Facing the Nonprofit Workforce in 2026 - with host Rusty Stahl, Fund the People

    The Federal Policy & Propaganda Landscape Facing the Nonprofit Workforce in 2026 - with host Rusty Stahl, Fund the People
    Apr 1 2026
    In this episode, you get a firsthand report from "Foundations on the Hill." Rusty discusses emerging federal threats and opportunities for our sector. From new legislation to executive action, he shares what’s at stake for the nonprofit workforce—and why we must engage now to shape the narrative. Download episode⁠ transcriptWatch episode Promo VideoLinks to Information Discussed:Challenges on the HorizonReintroduction of H.R. 9495 (H.R. 6800 and S. 3554):Press Release: ⁠Cornyn, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status of CAIR, Groups Bankrolling Terrorists⁠ (Senator John Cornyn)⁠Official Text of H.R. 6800⁠⁠Official Text of S. 3554⁠Press Release: ⁠Nonprofit Killer Bill Re-Introduced in the House and Senate⁠ (Charity and Security Network)SPONSOR Act (S. 3942):Press Release: Moran, Cruz Introduce Legislation to Deter Non-Profit Sponsorships of Left-Wing Radicals (Congressman Nathaniel Moran)Official Text of the Bill from congress.govExecutive Actions to Frame & Investigate Nonprofits as Terrorist Supporters:Investigating Nonprofits as Terrorist Supporting Organizations:National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM-7) (The White House)Attorney General Memo - “Implementing NSPM-7: Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence - (Office of the Attorney General)FBI and IRS to investigate nonprofit groups for domestic terrorism links, sources say (CBS News)FBI and IRS join forces under Bondi directive (MS Now)How NSPM-7 Seeks to Use "Domestic Terrorism" to Target Nonprofits and Activists (ACLU)Administration imposes ideological bounds on student debt forgiveness for public servants:Overview of Proposed Changes and Updates on PSLF program (National Council of Nonprofits)Finalized Changes and Litigation (National Council of Nonprofits)Education Department Imposes Controversial New Restrictions on Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (American Association of Universities)Administration pursues ideological litmus test for federal grants:DOGE Takes Over Federal Grant Website (NonProfit Times)Proposed Changes to Federal Grant Portal Could Disrupt Nonprofits and Harm Communities Nationwide (National Council of Nonprofits)Guide to Submitting Public Comments on Changes to Federal Grants Certification (National Council of Nonprofits) Note: public comment period ended 3/30/26. 1,300 nonprofit groups joined the sign-on letter, and 22,000 submitted public comments! Apparently there will be further opportunities to offer public comment, so this info is worth reviewing!Positive DevelopmentsPhilanthropy Caucus Launched in House of Representatives:Press Release from Congressman Blake Moore (DATE)Small Nonprofit Retirement Security Act (H.R. 4548 / S. 2365):Press Release: Buchanan Leads Bipartisan Effort to Help Small Nonprofits Offer Retirement Plans (07/21/25)Official Text of H.R. 4548Official Text of S. 2365Educating Policymakers About the Nonprofit Workforce:Five Surprising Facts About the Nonprofit Workforce (FTP hand-out for Congress)NEW: Johnson Amendment Upheld:Since recording this episode, news arrived that a court has upheld the Johnson Amendment, maintaining nonprofit separation from political campaigns and donationsOrganizations Mentioned in the Episode:Council on FoundationsFoundations on the Hill 2026Fund the PeopleIndependent SectorNational Council of NonprofitsPhilanthropy RoundtableUnited Philanthropy ForumAdditional Links:Council on FoundationsFoundations on the Hill 2026Fund the PeopleIndependent SectorNational Council of NonprofitsPhilanthropy RoundtableUnited Philanthropy ForumRelated Episodes:Peaceful Terrorists and Violent Activists (S9:E1, January 2026)The Trump War on Charity (S8:E1, September 2025)Mr. Stahl Goes to Washington (S7:E13, March 2025)Nonprofits Made America (S7:E11, February 2025)Related Playlists:Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Series PlaylistHost-Only Episodes PlaylistRusty’s Rants and Reflections Playlist
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    37 m
  • S.O.S. Funding: All Hands on Deck for a Nonprofit Workforce in Crisis - with Rusty Stahl; today's co-host Annie Chang, and a Special Panel

    S.O.S. Funding: All Hands on Deck for a Nonprofit Workforce in Crisis - with Rusty Stahl; today's co-host Annie Chang, and a Special Panel
    Mar 25 2026

    In this episode, you’ll get a bold, provocative new idea for investing in the nonprofit workforce—and why it may be essential to the sector’s survival.

    Drawn from a live Fund the People webinar on March 12, 2026, this conversation introduces Staff Operating Support (S.O.S.) funding — a new grantmaking and fundraising approach conceived to help funders strategically, responsively invest in the workforce of grantee organizations.

    Host Rusty Stahl is joined by special co-host Annie Chang of the Nonprofit Finance Fund. Rusty defines Staff Operating Support, and offers seven key traits. Annie and a panel of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders unpack the ‘compounding crises’ in the nonprofit sector’s workforce —and explore what it will take to proactively address it.

    From new research data to real-world results, this episode makes the case that funding staff isn’t overhead—it’s mission-critical.

    Staff Operating Support was originally introduced in a Season 8 bonus episode, Introducing Staff Operating Support (S.O.S.) Grants Concept (November 3, 2025). Today's episode adds to that one as Rusty presents some updated thinking about the concept (including the 7 key traits of S.O.S. funding). It also features a silo-busting panel and audience of funders, nonprofit leaders, and intermediaries, sharing enthusiasm, critiques, questions, and additional ideas about S.O.S. funding.




    • Introducing Staff Operating Support (S.O.S.) Grants Concept⁠ with host Rusty Stahl, Fund the People
    • Chasm Grows between Funder and Nonprofit Perceptions of Crisis - with Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Center for Effective Philanthropy
    • Donors Invest in Health Nonprofit’s Staff -- with Dramatic Program Results - with Janelle Miller Moravek, Youth and Family Counseling
    • Funding Nonprofit People & Possibility: Inside the Durfee Foundation - with Mariah Cabildo
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    1 h y 4 m
  • Out of Control: Fixing Funding that Starves Social Sector Staff - with Glen Galaich, Stupski Foundation and Break Fake Rules Podcast

    Out of Control: Fixing Funding that Starves Social Sector Staff - with Glen Galaich, Stupski Foundation and Break Fake Rules Podcast
    Mar 18 2026

    Why do private foundations give away so little of their wealth each year—and how does that affect nonprofits and the people who work in them? Especially as the Trump Administration's War on Charity continues to rage?

    Rusty Stahl talks with Glen Galaich, author of the new book ⁠Control: Why Big Giving Falls Short⁠, about philanthropy’s culture of control, the limits of the 5% payout model, and what foundations could do differently to support nonprofit organizations and their workforce.

    Download the transcript of this episode in .PDF format

    Guest Bio: Glen Galaich is author of the new book, Control: Why Big Giving Falls Short. He is CEO of the Stupki Foundation, a private spend-down foundation based in the Bay Area. Glen hosts (or co-hosts, depending on the day) the Break Fake Rules Podcast. Click here to learn more about Glen.
    Links to Resources:

    • Stupski Foundation
    • Control: Why Big Giving Falls Short
    • Break Fake Rules Podcast
    • Rusty’s appearance on Break Fake Rules Podcast (March 4, 2026)
    • Dimple Abichandani’s appearance on the FTP Podcast
    • Dimple Abichandani’s book, A New Era of Philanthropy
    • Vu Le’s book, Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy
    • Vu Le’s appear on the FTP Podcast
    • Marguerite Casey Foundation
    • Carmen Rojas appearance on Break Fake Rules Podcast
    • Fund the People

    Related Episodes:

    • FTP Podcast Spotify Playlist on the Overhead Myth (Note: a free Spotify account is required to listen)
    • How Funders Can Support Nonprofit Workers in the Age of Burnout - with Jamie Allison, Walter and Elise Haas Fund
    • Embracing Nonprofit Abundance - with Nell Edgington, Author and Consultant
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    36 m
  • What Nonprofits Can Learn from Real-Time Labor Market Data - with Cary Sparrow, WageScape

    What Nonprofits Can Learn from Real-Time Labor Market Data - with Cary Sparrow, WageScape
    Mar 15 2026

    In this episode, you'll hear what nonprofits can learn from broader labor market trends—and how organizations can compete for talent in an era of increasing transparency. And you'll get a provocative perspective on how employers have been assessing the "market rate" for salaries, and how we should be thinking differently. Fund the People's Rusty Stahl speaks with Cary Sparrow, founder of WageScape, about how real-time labor market data is reshaping hiring, pay transparency, and workforce strategy.


    Download the transcript of this episode in .PDF format


    Guest Bio:

    Cary Sparrow is the Founder and CEO of WageScape, which provides employers with unique labor market and real-time compensation data. Cary is a former US Navy submarine officer, having served on several nuclear submarines. He is a former global vice president at Cargill, Inc. Sparrow has 35 years combined experience in engineering, military, consulting, and operations leadership in achieving organizational growth in HR, IT, engineering, and technology.


    Links to Resources Discussed:

    • Cary Sparrow on LinkedIn

    • Wage Scape on LinkedIn

    • WageScape website

    • Rusty Stahl on LinkedIn

    • Fund the People on LinkedIn

    • Linkedin.com website

    • LinkedIn’s “Economic Graph” - Workforce Data and Research

    • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website


    Related Episodes from Fund the People:

    • Nonprofit H.R. Nuts and Bolts - a Spotify Playlist of select FTP Podcast episodes (free Spotify account needed)
    • Making the Nonprofit Workforce Visible - with Alan Abramson and Chelsea Newhouse, George Mason University
    • Starting a Revolution in Nonprofit Hiring - with Alfonso Wenker and Trina Olson, Team Dynamics
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    25 m
  • Chasm Grows between Funder and Nonprofit Perceptions of Crisis - with Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Center for Effective Philanthropy

    Chasm Grows between Funder and Nonprofit Perceptions of Crisis - with Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Center for Effective Philanthropy
    Mar 4 2026
    In this episode, you’ll get a clear-eyed look at the newest national data on nonprofit stability—and what it means for your organization, your funding strategy, your workforce or your grantees’ workforce. While you're here, we invite you to register for Fund the People’s next webinar and live podcast recording on March 12, 2026⁠. We'll explore Staff Operating Support (SOS), a new kind of funding to support the nonprofit workforce through this new kind of crisis. We'll define SOS funding, and get insights and critiques from a panel of nonprofits and funders.(⁠https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/cqkGKIweTlmlelqYgpRIeQ#/registration⁠)Today's episode is the latest installment in our Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Series, and the 1st-ever 'live recording' of Fund the People Podcast! Drawing on brand-new research from the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), this episode shares data on the painful impact of the Trump Administration’s War on Charity: Nearly 70% of nonprofits are facing decreased funding while demand for services rises. More than half are concerned about closure or merger. And there’s a 40-point perception gap between funders and nonprofits about how well funders understand grantee challenges.Host Rusty Stahl is joined by CEP’s Vice President of Research, Elisha Smith Arrillaga, to explore:📊 The headline findings from CEP’s newest “State of Nonprofits” report🔍 The widening disconnect between funders and nonprofit leaders🧠 What nonprofits say they actually need beyond grant dollars⚖️ How political targeting of the entire nonprofit sector changes the stakes💬 Live poll results from nonprofit leaders, funders, and capacity buildersThis episode offers data, context, and practical insight to help you navigate mounting pressure—and consider how philanthropy can move from reactive to proactive support.Our Guest: Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Ph.D. manages CEP’s Research team, leading the creation, development, analysis, and release of 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. 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.Related Episodes:Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Series Spotify PlaylistHow Funders Can Fight Nonprofit Burnout, Not Fuel It — with Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Center for Effective Philanthropy (S8:E6, October 29, 2025)Do Funders Understand the Nonprofit Burnout Crisis? – with Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Center for Effective Philanthropy (S7:E1, November 13, 2024)Understanding Funders’ Blindspots - with Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette, Center for Effective Philanthropy (S1:E7, November 13, 2020)Resources & Links Discussed:A Sector in Crisis Report (https://cep.org/report-backpacks/a-sector-in-crisis-how-u-s-nonprofits-and-foundations-are-responding-to-threats/?section=intro)A Sector in Crisis Board Book Insert (2-pages) (https://cep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A_Sector_in_Crisis-2-pager_FNL.pdf)Video of CEP's own webinar on their report "A Sector in Crisis", (February 19, 2026, https://youtu.be/-F9ptl8NB-M?si=AlevsCHRivpPJVUq)Video of CEP conference plenary on this research (November 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEKo9C--foU&t=7s)National Council of Nonprofits (https://www.councilofnonprofits.org)Independent Sector (https://independentsector.org)Fund the People (https://fundthepeople.org)Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Series Playlist on SpotifyNavigating Away From the Overhead Myth, write-in campaign to Charity Navigator (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ULw5tJgyRFw4ZJbn-SiFm9jVcL-2_JnrCT1UUOXLiXY/edit?usp=sharing)Fund the People Premium Podcast on Patreon (https://patreon.com/fundthepeople)
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    43 m
  • Funding Advocacy for Racial Equity in a Hostile Climate – with Dr. Giridhar Mallya, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

    Funding Advocacy for Racial Equity in a Hostile Climate – with Dr. Giridhar Mallya, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
    Feb 25 2026
    Download our Edited Transcript for this episode.Get the extended version of this and all episodes (and mucn more) by joining our Patreon community.In this installment of our ongoing Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Series, you’ll get practical, real-world examples of how funders and nonprofit leaders can engage in policy advocacy to defend values such as racial equity and democracy, when those values are under direct political attack.Host Rusty Stahl is joined by Giridhar Mallya, Senior Policy Officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), to unpack how one major national foundation is supporting nonprofits through legal advocacy, narrative change, and bold leadership in a hostile climate. Drawing on his background in public health and government, Dr. Mallya explains why race-conscious strategies improve outcomes for everyone—and why pulling back from equity work creates greater risk for nonprofits than continuing it.According to Inside Philanthropy, RWJF was the first among the large national foundations to speak out in response to the Trump Administration’s anti-racial justice efforts. Listeners will learn how RWJF has redefined what “risk” is in today’s environment; why focusing on grantee safety is more productive than focusing on foundation fears; and what it looks like for philanthropic institutions to stay public, values-aligned, and effective when silence feels safer.Guest bio:Giridhar Mallya, is an MD, and Masters of Science Health Policy. He is a public health physician whose career spans government, philanthropy, and academia. His work leverages the power of public policy and community health interventions to shape the political, social, and economic determinants of health.He currently serves as Senior Policy Officer for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation where he leads a national initiative to defend racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in health and other sectors.Dr. Mallya was previously Director of Policy and Planning for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. He is a board-certified family physician and adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania.Organizations, People & Resources Mentioned:Recommended Resources from our Guest:How Equity Strategies Can Make Healthcare Better for EveryoneAdvancing Health Equity: Myths vs. FactsPromoting Policy Tools that Advance Health and Racial EquityPeople:Giridhar Mallya – Senior Policy Officer, Robert Wood Johnson FoundationEdgar Villanueva – Author and philanthropy leader; RWJF board memberRich Besser – President & CEO, Robert Wood Johnson FoundationAvanel Joseph – Vice President for Policy, Robert Wood Johnson FoundationRev Jesse Jackson (Rest in Peace) – Civil rights leader and past presidential candidateOrganizations & Institutions:Robert Wood Johnson FoundationFreedom Together FoundationMarguerite Casey FoundationSimilar Episodes:Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Series playlist (Spotify)
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    31 m