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

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

Key Topics Include:

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

Mentioned in This Episode:

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

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

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

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

Key Topics Include:

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

Mentioned in This Episode:

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

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter speaks with Laura Parker, CEO and co-founder of The Exodus Road, a nonprofit combating human trafficking across the globe. Laura shares the deeply personal and powerful story of how she and her husband were first confronted with the realities of trafficking while working in Northern Thailand, which ultimately inspired them to launch their organization. With operations now spanning four countries, The Exodus Road works alongside law enforcement and communities to prevent exploitation, rescue victims, and support survivor aftercare.

Laura discusses the leadership principles and cultural values that have fueled the growth and resilience of her organization, including grit, empathy, excellence, and collaboration. She also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and supportive workplace culture in an industry often mired in darkness.

Key Topics Include:

• The origin story of The Exodus Road and its mission to fight human trafficking
• How grit and persistence have been key to the organization’s impact and longevity
• Laura’s collaborative yet decisive leadership style as a “reluctant CEO”
• The critical role of workplace culture, communication, and survivor-centered storytelling
• Strategies for balancing international work with U.S.-based initiatives
• Embracing partnerships and an abundance mindset to expand limited nonprofit resources
• The launch of Influenced, a U.S. program focused on digital safety and prevention for teens

Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Exodus Road: theexodusroad.com
• Influenced (digital safety & prevention education): influenced.org
• Follow Laura Parker on Instagram: @iamlauraparker

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox:

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter welcomes Jena Lynch from Donorbox, a longtime sponsor and leading platform in nonprofit fundraising technology. Jena brings her unique perspective as a nonprofit thought leader and co-host of her own nonprofit podcast, sharing front-line insights from her work with organizations across the country.

Together, Rob and Jena dive into the key fundraising challenges facing nonprofit and social impact organizations as they look ahead to 2026. From shifting donor behaviors and the rise of recurring giving to the evolving role of AI, this episode is packed with practical advice, current trends, and forward-thinking strategies to help nonprofits navigate an uncertain fundraising environment with confidence and clarity.

Key Topics Include:

• Why a return to the basics—like individual giving and deep donor relationships—is the trend to watch in 2025 and beyond
• How nonprofits are adjusting to donor fatigue and declining donor counts despite rising gift amounts
• The growing impact of Millennials and Gen Z on nonprofit engagement and fundraising behaviors
• Tips for creating meaningful donor experiences and building long-term donor loyalty
• The importance of legacy giving and preparing for the generational wealth transfer
• How nonprofits are using AI practically and ethically to streamline operations and improve donor engagement
• Strategies for intentional, transparent communication that increases donor trust and involvement

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Donorbox
• Donorbox Resources & Blog

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• Donorbox

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

In this episode, host Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Sandy Rosenthal, the founder of Levees.org, to uncover the shocking truth behind the catastrophic flooding of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. While most people attributed the devastation to the storm itself, Sandy discovered a deeper, man-made failure at the core of the disaster—the collapse of federally designed levees. Despite having no background in engineering or advocacy, Sandy turned her personal mission for justice into a national grassroots movement that is still influencing policy and education today.

Through tireless research, community mobilization, and resilience in the face of fierce opposition, Sandy Rosenthal not only revealed the truth about what went wrong during Hurricane Katrina but also sparked a national conversation about flood protection, government accountability, and citizen advocacy. In this episode, she shares her journey, the birth of Levees.org, and why education is key to preventing future disasters.

Key Topics Include:

• The real reason behind New Orleans’ flooding during Hurricane Katrina
• Sandy’s discovery of the Army Corps of Engineers’ responsibility in levee failures
• How she overcame media silence, government opposition, and personal attacks
• The founding of Levees.org and its expansion into a national advocacy movement
• The importance of education and why engineering students should learn from failures
• How Sandy transformed personal passion into sustained national advocacy
• Practical advice for nonprofit leaders facing opposition in their own missions

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Sandy Rosenthal’s website: sandyrosenthal.net
• Levees.org
• Sandy’s book: Words Whispered in Water – Available on Amazon

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes Asha Varghese, President of the Caterpillar Foundation. Asha shares insights into the foundation’s expansive philanthropic efforts, having invested over $1 billion into global communities since its inception in 1952. She emphasizes that this achievement is not a finish line, but a launch pad for even greater impact.

Asha discusses the foundation’s strategic focus on building resilient communities through workforce development, disaster preparedness, and sustainable infrastructure. She outlines how nonprofits can successfully align with corporate donors like Caterpillar by focusing on measurable impact, local empowerment, and long-term sustainability. This conversation is packed with practical advice for nonprofit leaders looking to navigate today’s challenging fundraising landscape and create lasting social change.

Key Topics Include:

• How the Caterpillar Foundation has invested over $1 billion since 1952 to support global communities
• A three-pronged strategy: economic empowerment, infrastructure resilience, and employee engagement
• The foundation’s long-term approach to disaster response and recovery, including partnerships with the Red Cross and CDP
• Innovative workforce development initiatives such as mobile STEM labs and digital fabrication tech for students
• The impact of federal funding cuts on nonprofits and how foundations are stepping in
• Advice for nonprofit leaders on how to align with corporate foundations and submit strong funding proposals
• The importance of systemic thinking, community-driven solutions, and data-driven impact measurement

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Caterpillar Foundation:
• Learning Undefeated:
• FAB Foundation:
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP):
• Jobs for the Future:

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox:
  

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

In this episode, Dr. Rob Harter sits down with Aidan Reilly, co-founder of The Farmlink Project, a nonprofit that began as a college passion project and grew into a national food recovery movement. What started in 2020 as two friends trying to make a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic quickly evolved into a logistics powerhouse that has since delivered over 350 million pounds of food—soon to be half a billion.

Aidan shares the compelling origin story of Farmlink and how a group of students bridged the gap between farms with surplus food and food banks in desperate need. With impressive agility, grassroots organizing, and a deep sense of purpose, Farmlink has scaled nationwide and is now exploring international efforts. Aidan also discusses how Farmlink is addressing food waste, hunger, and climate change simultaneously—and how their innovative model may one day make their own work unnecessary.

Key Topics Include:

• The founding of Farmlink during the pandemic by college students looking to make an impact
• How Farmlink grew from a local food rescue effort to a national nonprofit operating in 27+ states
• The logistics of moving nearly half a billion pounds of food and partnering with over 1,200 food banks and 400 farms
• The systemic causes of food waste in the U.S. and how Farmlink is creating long-term infrastructure solutions
• How Farmlink measures and communicates its climate and hunger relief impact to donors
• The role of AI, predictive analytics, and capacity mapping in scaling nonprofit operations
• Why public-private partnerships and policy advocacy are essential to solving food insecurity at scale

Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Farmlink Project
• Abundance: The Farmlink Documentary (YouTube)

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!

Summary

The conversation with Aidan Reilly from the Farm Link Project explores the organization’s journey from a student-led initiative to a national movement addressing food waste and hunger. Aidan shares insights on the importance of partnerships, innovative solutions, and the impact of their work on communities and the environment. The discussion highlights the challenges faced in scaling their efforts and the vision for a sustainable food system that eliminates waste and hunger.

Quotes
“We shouldn’t, let’s try to help.”
“We rescued 50 million apples.”
“We work with all food banks.”

Chapters
00:00 The Birth of Farm Link Project
02:54 Scaling Up: Partnerships and Systems
05:48 Connecting Farms and Food Banks
08:40 Addressing Food Waste and Consumer Preferences
11:35 Measuring Impact: Hunger Relief and Climate Outcomes
19:54 Harnessing AI for Nonprofit Scalability
22:34 Eliminating Waste and Hunger: A Guiding Philosophy
26:18 Building Infrastructure for Zero Waste
29:10 Overcoming Operational Challenges in Scaling
33:58 Strategizing for Future Growth and Impact

As year-end fundraising pressures mount, it’s more important than ever for nonprofits to adopt effective, donor-centered strategies. In this episode of the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, host Rob Harter welcomes Jeff Schreifels, Principal and Owner of Veritus Group—a global consulting agency focused on major and mid-level gift strategies. Jeff shares his proven insights into how organizations can build long-term sustainability by investing in relationships and shifting their fundraising mindset.

Jeff introduces the concept of “permission-based asking,” a transformational approach that empowers fundraisers to confidently and authentically engage donors. He outlines how social impact leaders can create meaningful connections, adopt a holistic donor journey, and overcome common barriers within siloed fundraising structures.

Key Topics Include:

• Why economic uncertainty requires nonprofits to double down—not cut back—on fundraising investment
• The power of relationship-centered fundraising to drive long-term revenue growth
• A step-by-step breakdown of the “permission ask” approach and how it changes the donor conversation
• How to create donor-centered KPIs that unify departments and break down fundraising silos
• Strategies for building sustainable major and planned gift programs, even during crises
• Practical ways to engage volunteers and staff in accountable, effective fundraising roles
• The importance of viewing donors as part of your mission—not just as sources of revenue

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Veritus Group: https://veritusgroup.com/
• “The Generosity Crisis” by Brian Crimmins

This Episode is Sponsored By:

• DonorBox

Links to Resources:

• Interested in Leadership and Life Coaching? Visit Rob’s website: RobHarter.com
• Find us on YouTube: Nonprofit Leadership Podcast YouTube Channel
• Suggestions for the show? Email us at nonprofitleadershippodcast@gmail.com
• Request a sample coaching session: Email Rob at rob@robharter.com

Subscribe and Share
Listen and subscribe to the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or Amazon. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other nonprofit leaders!