The Charity Charge Show - Nonprofit Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Louie Nguyen, CEO of Say San Diego, to discuss what it really means to run a nonprofit like a business while staying deeply committed to mission.Louie shares his journey from institutional investor and impact investing leader to nonprofit CEO, and how that financial discipline is now shaping SAY San Diego’s strategy. The conversation covers revenue diversification, reserve policy design, social enterprise models, mental health innovation, and what responsible risk-taking looks like in the nonprofit sector.If you are a nonprofit executive, board member, or impact investor thinking about long term sustainability, this episode is worth your time.About SAY San DiegoFounded in 1971, SAY San Diego has grown from one employee to more than 500 staff members serving approximately 45,000 San Diegans each year.Key program areas include:After school programs serving 4,000 students dailyMental health services at 26 school sitesSupport for young mothers from pregnancy through early childhoodFatherhood engagement programsCommunity advocacy and educationWith annual revenue near $30 million, SAY San Diego operates at a scale most nonprofits never reach.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeWhy nonprofits should aim to generate positive marginsThe importance of unrestricted capitalHow to calculate a true rainy day reserveWhy holding real estate is not always the best strategyHow to diversify revenue beyond grants and contractsWhat investment risk looks like inside a nonprofitHow to structure social enterprise investment opportunitiesWhy mental health funding needs long term endowment solutionsKey Topics Covered1. Transitioning from Finance to Nonprofit Leadership Louie explains how his background in institutional investing and impact finance shaped his approach to leadership at SAY San Diego.2. Revenue Diversification in a Volatile Funding Environment With federal and state funding uncertainty, Louie shares how SAY is building independent, self-sustaining revenue streams.3. Rethinking Reserves and Asset Allocation A practical discussion on how CEOs and CFOs should scenario plan, define real operating risk, and segment reserves intentionally.4. The Boba Wellness Model A bold social enterprise concept where SAY acquires boba shops that operate as businesses during the day and convert into youth wellness spaces at night.5. Intellectual Property as a Revenue Strategy How a community safety initiative evolved into a licensing and IP opportunity that can scale nationally.6. The Wellspring Initiative A $2 million mental health endowment designed to fund 1,300 therapy sessions per year in perpetuity for students who need care beyond what school districts cover.

Global health systems are under pressure. Funding models are shifting. NGOs are closing. Communities are feeling the consequences.On this episode of The Charity Charge Show, host Grayson Harris sits down with Peter Navario, CEO of HealthRight International and professor of health economics at New York University, to discuss what it takes to deliver sustainable healthcare solutions for marginalized communities, both globally and here in the United States.From community-based mental health programs to new funding platforms designed to rethink global health financing, this episode explores what it means to build systems that last.Guest: Peter Navario Title: CEO, HealthRight International | Professor of Health Economics, NYU Topics Covered:The mission and history of HealthRight InternationalThe “triangle” model: community, community health workers, and primary care systemsAddressing mental health through peer-led, evidence-based interventionsWhy traditional one-on-one therapy is not scalableThe impact of foreign aid cuts on global health organizationsHow HealthRight is diversifying revenue and launching a direct investment platformThe need for a better dialogue between funders and implementersAbout Peter NavarioPeter Navario serves as CEO of HealthRight International and is a professor of health economics at NYU.With decades of experience in global health and development, he brings both academic insight and field-based leadership to his role. Under his leadership, HealthRight has focused on strengthening community-based care models and building more sustainable funding mechanisms for long-term health system resilience.

On this episode of the Charity Charged Show, we sit down with Hilary Axtmayer, Chief Program Officer of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, to talk about one of the most meaningful nonprofit expansions happening this year.Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was created to give children with serious illnesses something they are too often denied: the chance to simply be kids. More than three decades later, the organization is serving thousands of children and families across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, and in 2025 it is opening a second residential camp location in Maryland.This conversation goes beyond the headline of expansion. It digs into the origin of the camp’s name, the magic of its programs, Hilary’s 25-year journey from counselor to executive leader, and the careful work required to scale without losing the soul of the mission.

On this episode of the Charity Charge Show, host Grayson Harris sits down with John McDonald, newly appointed Board President of the IEEE Foundation. The conversation is a masterclass in how long-term professional communities evolve into powerful philanthropic engines, and what nonprofit leaders can learn from a global organization built on trust, consistency, and service.John brings more than five decades of experience as a member of IEEE, the world’s largest professional technical organization with more than 500,000 members across 190 countries. His journey from student member to foundation president offers rare insight into leadership, donor engagement, and the discipline required to sustain impact at scale.What the IEEE Foundation Actually DoesWhile IEEE is widely known for advancing technology, standards, and professional development, the IEEE Foundation operates as its philanthropic partner. The Foundation supports nearly 300 funds that power scholarships, awards, education programs, and initiatives designed to use technology for the benefit of humanity.At its core, the Foundation exists to strengthen and extend IEEE’s mission by mobilizing philanthropy. It funds programs that create real social impact, from education access to humanitarian technology projects around the world.

In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, Grayson Harris sits down with Dan Lusk, Executive Director of Momentum Refresh, to discuss one of the most overlooked barriers to inclusion at public events: truly accessible restrooms. Dan shares how the organization was built to solve a basic but critical problem, why ADA compliance alone is not enough, and how their mission driven model is scaling nationwide.The conversation covers rapid growth, community partnerships, disaster response, and what is ahead in 2026.Key Topics CoveredWhy accessible restrooms remain a major barrier to participationThe difference between ADA compliant and universally designed facilitiesHow Momentum Refresh units exceed ADA standardsGrowth from local pilots to national mega eventsData, testimonials, and community trust as drivers of scalePartnerships with cities, counties, and major event organizersExpansion plans including manufacturing, franchising, and emergency response

In this episode of The Charity Charge Show, we sit down with Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases, a nonprofit that has delivered more than 300,000 backpacks filled with essentials to children entering foster care across all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, and soon Canada.Growing Up in the SystemRob did not come to foster care as an advocate. He came as a child who lived it.He entered foster care because of abuse, not neglect. Cigarette burns on his body are reminders he still carries at 59 years old. Like many children in the system, he became a number, a file, a case. When he aged out at 18, he joined the tens of thousands of young people who are pushed out with no safety net. Within 24 hours, most become homeless. Rob was one of them.He survived addiction, multiple suicide attempts, and repeated psychiatric hospitalizations. At 24, after nearly dying from an overdose, he made a decision that changed everything. He chose forgiveness. Not to excuse what happened, but to take his life back.That decision did not make him a hero. It made him accountable.The Numbers We Do Not Like to Talk AboutDuring the episode, Rob challenges some of the most commonly repeated foster care statistics and explains why many of them understate the reality.Here is what stands out:More than 400,000 children are in foster care in the United States.Roughly 23,000 youth age out every year.New homelessness counts show over 80 percent of people experiencing homelessness were touched by foster care at some point.Former foster youth are far more likely to experience PTSD than combat veterans.Only about 8 percent earn a four year college degree. That number improved recently, but it is still unacceptable.Rob makes one point very clear. If a child enters foster care, society has already failed.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight Series, hosted by Charity Charge, Grayson Harris sits down with Carol Klocek, CEO of the Center for Transforming Lives, to explore what it really takes to disrupt generational poverty and build long term economic stability for single mothers and their children.Founded in 1907 and rebranded in 2015, the Center for Transforming Lives has evolved into a comprehensive, two generational organization serving families across the Fort Worth and Tarrant County region. Carol shares how the organization pairs housing stability, early childhood education, clinical counseling, and economic mobility services to address the root causes of poverty rather than its symptoms.Key themes from the conversationA two generational approach to breaking poverty Carol explains why working with mothers and children at the same time is critical for lasting impact and how trauma informed care shapes every program they offer.Affordability and housing instability With single mothers earning a median income of $33,000 per year and spending more than half of their income on rent, Carol outlines why rising housing, childcare, and food costs create a pipeline to homelessness and how early intervention changes outcomes.Prevention over crisis response The episode dives deep into why preventing homelessness is far more effective and less costly than responding after families are displaced. Carol shares real data showing how keeping families housed reduces long term costs related to healthcare, education, and social services.Building efficient public nonprofit partnerships Carol details how the Center for Transforming Lives partners with healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations to deliver services more efficiently. From mobile health clinics to rent and utility assistance programs, these collaborations lower costs while expanding access.The power of a nonprofit hub model The organization’s new campus serves as a community anchor, offering healthcare access, drop in childcare, coworking space, and meeting facilities that foster collaboration among nonprofits, small businesses, and workforce partners.Listening directly to the people served Carol shares why monthly “Coffee with Carol” sessions have become one of her most valuable leadership practices and how participant feedback drives program design and trust.Looking ahead to workforce development Looking toward 2026, Carol discusses plans to pilot vocational training partnerships paired with free childcare to help parents transition into high wage, in demand jobs in fields like healthcare, welding, and electrical work.

In this insightful episode, Grayson Harris sits down with Bennett Weiner, the newly appointed CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org).As we move through 2025 and look toward 2026, the landscape of philanthropy is shifting rapidly. Bennett shares his expertise on the critical importance of nonprofit transparency, the "evolving" nature of accountability standards, and how organizations can navigate a world where AI bots may soon outnumber humans.Key TakeawaysThe Power of Accreditation: Unlike rating systems that use letter grades, Give.org focuses on a 20-standard evaluation process covering governance, finances, and privacy.The Information Gap: A startling 2025 survey revealed that only 32% of Americans were aware of federal grant reductions. Nonprofits must proactively educate their donors rather than assuming they know the challenges.The "Founder Syndrome" Risk: Bennett discusses the importance of objective governance and why the transition from a founder-led "passion project" to an adult, governed organization is vital for long-term survival.AI Policy is Non-Negotiable: With the rise of generative AI, nonprofits need clear policies on oversight and accuracy verification to maintain trust.

In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, host Grayson Harris sits down with Joe Kendrick (Executive Director of Christian Mission) and Lacey Kendrick (VP of Financial Development) from the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. The duo discusses the 180-year history of the YMCA movement, the strategic importance of its Christian heritage, and the complex balance between earned revenue and philanthropic impact.Key Discussion PointsThe Roots of a Global Movement: Joe Kendrick recounts the 1844 founding of the YMCA by George Williams in London and how that original vision of "hope and grace" translates to modern-day Oklahoma.The Business of Mission: Lacey Kendrick breaks down the unique nonprofit model of the YMCA: balancing membership dues (earned revenue) with philanthropy to ensure no one is turned away due to an inability to pay.Cause-Driven Leadership: How the organization incentivizes mission-alignment among 1,500+ employees, ensuring the "C" (Christian principles) remains the foundation of their service.Tackling Community Deserts: A look at the YMCA’s bold expansion plans for 2026, focusing on providing childcare and food security in underserved Oklahoma metros.The Power of Storytelling: Moving beyond "gym and swim" to share transformative stories of social mobility and family stability.

In Episode 144 of the Charity Charge Show, we sit down with a man who is quite literally building a better night's sleep for children across the globe. Luke Mickelson, the founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) Beds, joins us to share a story that started in a cold Idaho garage and has since ignited a national movement to end "child bedlessness."From a "Two-by-Four" Realization to a National MovementLuke’s journey didn't start in a boardroom; it started with a simple observation in Kimberly, Idaho. While looking for ways to get local youth away from their screens and into service, Luke discovered a family in his own backyard whose children were sleeping on the floor."It hit me up the side of the head like a two-by-four," Luke recalls. "I thought, 'You gotta be kidding me. What are they sleeping on? The floor?'"What began as a one-time project to build a few beds has scaled into a massive operation. Today, SHP has over 400 chapters across 47 states and four countries. In 2026 alone, they are on track to build nearly 100,000 beds.Innovation in the Nonprofit Model: Your Mission is Your FundraiserOne of the most profound takeaways from Luke’s strategy is how SHP flipped the traditional nonprofit funding model on its head. Instead of diverting energy into "spaghetti feeds" or gala dinners, SHP makes the mission itself the revenue driver through Corporate Team Building.The Problem: Corporations want to give back but struggle to find scalable, organized, and impactful volunteer opportunities.The Solution: SHP provides "turnkey" build events. Companies like Lowe’s, Ford, and Google sponsor the materials and bring their employees to build the beds.The Result: The company gets a high-impact team-building experience, and the nonprofit gets 100% mission-aligned funding.Avoiding "Mission Creep"As a senior strategist, I find Luke’s discipline regarding Mission Creep to be a masterclass for any social impact leader. When you enter a home and see a family in need, the temptation to provide clothes, food, or toys is immense. However, Luke insists on a singular focus: Beds.By staying "mile-deep and inch-wide," SHP ensures their operations remain efficient, their branding stays clear, and their impact is measurable. This discipline is what allows them to maintain a 96% efficiency rate, ensuring nearly every dollar donated stays in the local community to build beds.How You Can Get InvolvedThe need is staggering—roughly 3% of children in any given community are sleeping without a bed. Here is how you can join the SHP family:Raise Awareness: Child bedlessness is an "unknown" crisis. Share this episode to help shine a light on the issue.Volunteer or Donate: Visit SHPBeds.org to find a local chapter. You can donate specifically to your city, ensuring your impact is felt at home.Start a Chapter: If your community lacks an SHP presence, the organization provides full training, tools, and initial funding to help you lead the charge."No kid sleeps on the floor in our town." It’s a bold mission, but with leaders like Luke Mickelson and the power of community-driven data, it’s a goal that is within our reach.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight Series, we interview Ginny Hill, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey. They discuss the mission of the Girl Scouts, the significance of the cookie program, community partnerships, challenges in nonprofit talent management, and future plans for the organization. Jenny highlights how the Girl Scouts empower girls through various programs and the importance of community support in achieving their goals.

Most people think they know Girl Scouts because of one thing: cookies.In Episode 143 of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten sits down in person with Paula Bookidis, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Texas, to talk about what the public rarely sees. Yes, the cookie program is a powerhouse. But the real story is how Girl Scouts builds courage, confidence, and character through a leadership experience that blends entrepreneurship, STEM, outdoors, and life skills.Girl Scouts of Central Texas serves more than 12,000 members across 46 counties, runs with about 75 full-time staff, and relies on roughly 10,000 adult volunteers. It is a serious operation, and it runs on a model many nonprofits talk about but few actually execute: sustainable earned revenue tied directly to mission outcomes.

In this episode of our Nonprofit Spotlight series, Grayson Harris sits down with Rebecca Tallman, Executive Director of Veterans Community Project St. Louis, to discuss how the organization is tackling veteran homelessness by filling the gaps left by traditional systems.Founded by combat veterans, Veterans Community Project provides transitional housing through tiny home villages and delivers wraparound services without restricting who qualifies for help. Rebecca shares how the model works, why saying no to certain funding is sometimes necessary, and how long term, generational impact starts with stable housing.This is a grounded conversation about dignity, collaboration, and doing the work the right way.What We CoverHow Veterans Community Project was founded by veterans who saw system failures firsthandWhy many veterans do not qualify for traditional VA services and how VCP fills that gapThe tiny home village model and why transitional housing worksWhat makes the St. Louis project unique, including its outreach centerHow veterans move from crisis to permanent housingWhy VCP limits certain government funding to protect its missionThe importance of collaboration across nonprofits and agenciesMeasuring success through long term and generational outcomesHow individuals, funders, and communities can get involvedKey TakeawaysVeteran homelessness is not limited to those living on the street. Couch surfing and unstable housing count too.Eligibility rules exclude many veterans from existing services. VCP serves all veterans, regardless of discharge status or length of service.Fully furnished tiny homes remove one of the biggest barriers to permanent housing.Case management is personalized. There is no one size fits all approach.Funding should support the mission, not dictate it.Stable housing creates ripple effects that impact families for generations.

In this conversation, Grayson Harris interviews Jonathan Van Horn, the Executive Director of Pro Soccer for Athletes in Action. They discuss the organization's mission to support athletes through mental health resources, the importance of volunteerism, and the challenges athletes face in maintaining their identity beyond sports. Jonathan shares insights from his 20 years of experience, emphasizing the significance of building relationships and learning from failures. They also look ahead to the upcoming World Cup in 2026 and the initiative 'Victory Beyond the Cup' aimed at mobilizing communities.

Stephen Garten sits down with Dan Chu, Executive Director of the Sierra Club Foundation, to unpack how one of America’s most established environmental institutions operates and funds its mission. Dan explains the Sierra Club’s roots going back to 1892, why the Sierra Club Foundation was created in 1960, and how the Sierra Club’s (c)(4) and Foundation’s (c)(3) roles work together.They cover the Sierra Club’s focus on three “existential crises”: biodiversity loss and extinction, climate instability, and the growing disconnect between people and nature. Dan shares how outings and community-based outdoor programming build long-term public support for conservation, why public lands can be common ground across politics, and how the organization thinks about large-scale systems change through policy and impact investing.The conversation closes with practical leadership insights on building high-functioning boards, setting clear goals, and sustaining personal resilience in hard seasons.

Stephen Garten sits down with Cyndi Court to mark the TGR Foundation’s 30th anniversary and unpack how the foundation evolved from golf clinics into a scaled education model centered on “Learning Labs.” Cyndi explains how TGR built a repeatable program framework, standardized curriculum, and modern measurement systems before expanding to new cities. The conversation also covers durable skills, partnerships that actually work, earned revenue through events, and what makes a strong nonprofit board.Key topics coveredThe origin story of TGR Foundation (1996) and Tiger Woods’ family values of “sharing and caring”The post 9/11 shift toward education and deep community investmentWhat a “Learning Lab” is, and why it is not a school or a drop-in centerProgram pillars: STEAM, health and well-being, career and college readinessWhy TGR added the “A” in STEAM, creativity and curiosity in the AI eraScaling responsibly: standardization, tech infrastructure, and measurement before expansionHow TGR measures outcomes, including durable (soft) skillsPartnerships: how to say no, avoid mission creep, and use guiding principlesEarned revenue and sustainability through TGR Live eventsLeadership lessons and building an engaged board that understands nonprofit economicsHow listeners can volunteer and support the Learning LabsTGR Foundation timeline and growth1996: Foundation launched as Tiger turns proEarly years: Golf clinics and introducing golf to youth from under-resourced communitiesPost 9/11: Tiger refocuses foundation on education and invests deeply in his hometown communityAnaheim Learning Lab: First flagship model, 35,000 sq ft, operating for 20 yearsPhiladelphia Learning Lab: Opened April 1, 30,000 sq ft on Cobbs Creek campusPlanned expansion:Los Angeles: Early 2027 (Lulu’s Place campus)Atlanta: Later 2027 (with proximity to Atlanta Technical College)Augusta: Early 2028 (in partnership with Augusta National)What makes the Learning Lab model differentStructured programming, not a hangoutFree access for kids and familiesMultiple delivery formats:School field trips (plus teacher professional development)After school programming (critical hours for youth safety)Summer camps (preventing summer learning loss)

Vu Le, founder of Nonprofit AF, joins Stephen Garten to talk about a problem many nonprofit leaders quietly live with: we are trained to tell funders half-truths because we fear losing funding. Vu breaks down how risk-averse philanthropy, obsession with overhead, and competitive grantmaking push nonprofits into scarcity and performance instead of honesty and impact.The conversation makes the case for better communication, collective organizing, and specific reforms like multi-year, general operating support and funder pledges. It also tackles boards, donor dynamics, and why the sector needs bigger imagination and bigger asks.What you will learnWhy nonprofits often feel forced to “sound fine” to funders even when things are not fineHow risk aversion and overhead fixation distort how nonprofits operateWhy collective action, open letters, and naming bad behavior can move fundersThe case for multi-year funding and general operating supportWhy nonprofit boards are frequently ineffective and how governance could be reimaginedHow wealth and power dynamics shape fundraising, especially for orgs led by marginalized communitiesKey takeawaysNonprofits often tell funders half-truths because the power imbalance is real.Many funders are risk-averse and unintentionally punish honesty.Better communication is necessary, but collective organizing is stronger than going it alone.Multi-year funding and general operating support are the practical fixes that matter most.“Crappy funding practices” waste nonprofit time and should be called out.Boards can be effective, useless, or mission-destructive. Too many fall into the last two categories.The sector needs bigger imagination and bigger asks, not tiny grants with giant expectations.

In this episode of the Charity Charge show, host Stephen Garten interviews Melissa Lagowski, founder and CEO of Big Buzz Idea Group. They discuss Melissa's journey from being an executive director of a nonprofit to starting her own company that supports nonprofits. The conversation covers the challenges faced by nonprofit leaders, the importance of self-care, and the need for collaboration over competition. Melissa shares tactical advice for nonprofit leaders, the role of technology and AI in fundraising, and the significance of strategic planning as the year comes to a close.TakeawaysMelissa Lagowski founded Big Buzz Idea Group to support nonprofits.Nonprofit leaders often wear many hats and face burnout.Self-care is crucial for nonprofit leaders to avoid burnout.Collaboration among nonprofits can lead to greater impact.Nonprofits should run like businesses to be successful.AI can assist in fundraising and donor personalization.Asking questions is key to building relationships.Nonprofits need to identify their top supporters for effective fundraising.Strategic planning is essential for nonprofit growth.Consultants should be chosen carefully to avoid pitfalls.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight Series, Grayson Harris interviews Andrea Croom, the Executive Director of InAlliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Andrea discusses the organization's mission, the misconceptions surrounding disability services, and the importance of community engagement.She shares insights into the challenges faced by nonprofits, particularly in staffing and funding, and highlights the strategies InAlliance employs to empower individuals towards independence.The conversation also touches on Andrea's personal journey within the organization and the significance of aligning mission and values in decision-making.

In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, host Stephen Garten speaks with Marnie Webb, CEO of TechSoup, about one of the most influential infrastructure organizations in the nonprofit world. TechSoup has supported more than 1.4 million nonprofits, charities, and libraries across 234 countries and territories. It has delivered nearly 22 billion dollars in technology and financial resources to help mission driven organizations operate with confidence in an increasingly digital world.Most nonprofits do not have the budget, staff, or technical expertise to keep up with the rapid pace of technology. Yet they are expected to operate with the same level of digital strength that well funded companies enjoy. Marnie explains how TechSoup steps into this reality and why nonprofit technology support is far more than software discounts. It is about stability, trust, community strength, and clear pathways for organizations to adopt technology that actually fits their mission.