The Charity Charge Show

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. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

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. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

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. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

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. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

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) ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

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. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

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. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

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. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

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. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight Series, we interview Renee Brown, CEO of DePaul Community Resources. We discuss the organization's mission to provide support for foster care, adoption, and individuals with disabilities. Renee shares insights on the challenges faced by nonprofits, the importance of community collaboration, and her leadership principles.The conversation emphasizes the need for trust with donors, the significance of self-care, and the value of recognizing and nurturing talent within the organization. Renee also highlights the successes of DePaul and encourages listeners to get involved in their local communities. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

When people think about spinal cord injury rehabilitation, they usually picture learning to walk again, transferring safely from bed to chair, or figuring out how to dress and bathe independently. Those are critical pieces of recovery.But there is another part of life that rarely makes it into care plans or team meetings: intimacy and sexual health.In this episode of The Charity Charge Show, we sit down with three leaders who are changing that reality:Gillian Gulan, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist and creator of the Adaptive Intimacy Lab at MetroHealthMarcia Meermans, Philanthropy Officer at the MetroHealth FoundationMark Bogosian, Director of Engagement at the Christopher and Dana Reeve FoundationTogether, they walk through the story of how a simple but honest patient question, a brave idea, and a strong funding partnership led to one of the most unique quality of life projects in the country. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this nonprofit spotlight conversation, we interview Dr. John Boal, the Executive Director of Hume Christian Camps, about the camp's mission, community engagement, challenges faced in the nonprofit sector, and future plans for growth. John shares insights into the camp's impact on youth, the importance of collaboration with local churches, and the balance between mission-driven work and business operations. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this Nonprofit Spotlight episode of the Charity Charge Show, host Grayson Harris sits down with Matt Tanner, Executive Director of United Against Poverty, to walk through a very practical approach to fighting poverty. Matt explains how United Against Poverty runs a 46,000 square foot grocery and services center that feels like a normal store, yet delivers about a 70 percent discount on essentials for households up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level.Matt breaks down how the organization responded to the recent SNAP shutdown, what it really costs families to survive in Indian River County, and why dignity, data, and partnerships sit at the core of their model. He also shares how their Success Training Employment Program (STEP) moves adults with serious barriers into steady jobs and keeps them employed through year long success coaching.About United Against Poverty, Indian River CountyUnited Against Poverty (UP) was founded 23 years ago in Florida by a husband and wife team who wanted to move beyond traditional food bank models. Their goal was simple and hard edged. Give people real agency, not dependency.Today, the Indian River County campus in Vero Beach serves roughly 750 adults per day through:The Member Share Grocery Program, offering about 70 percent savings on groceries and household essentialsCrisis and navigation services that connect families to the right supportsWorkforce development programs that focus on emotional intelligence, job readiness, and long term retentionOn site partner organizations that share space to better support the same communityMembership is free for anyone at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, recognizing that the true cost of living in the area is far above older 200 percent thresholds. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, Grayson Harris sits down with Herman Bulls, International Director and Vice Chairman at JLL, board leader across several public companies, and long time nonprofit board member. Herman shares how West Point, Army Ranger School, and decades in corporate real estate shaped his approach to leadership, relationship building, and governance.He explains how JLL supports nonprofits and public institutions with real estate strategy, why culture and preparation matter, and what effective nonprofit boards should actually be doing.About Herman Bulls Herman Bulls is an International Director and Vice Chairman at JLL, where he has spent more than 35 years helping senior executives and institutions solve complex real estate challenges. He serves as Vice Chairman of the Board at USAA, Chairman of the Board at Fluence Energy, and sits on the boards of Host Hotels and Comfort Systems USA. Herman is also Vice Chair of the Board of the American Red Cross and Vice Chair of the West Point Association of Graduates, after a distinguished career as an Army officer and finance professor at West Point. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this Nonprofit Spotlight episode of the Charity Charge Show, host Grayson Harris speaks with Bethany Cartledge, Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County.Bethany breaks down how the organization serves people across five counties in Oregon and two cities in California through three core pillars: affordable housing, retail and manufacturing, and homeless and emergency services. She explains what success looks like for her team, how they maintain an "all hands on deck" culture across 600+ employees, and why servant leadership and internal promotion are central to their model.The conversation covers collaboration with local government and agencies, the launch of the Schlis Resource Center, the Cascade Alliance program for helping other nonprofits build earned revenue, and how Bethany evaluates new opportunities and donor proposals against mission, capacity, and long term impact. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, we talk with Tina Hsing, Director of the Panda Cares Foundation, about a model that many donors wish more organizations followed. Panda Cares is the philanthropic arm of Panda Restaurant Group, and it operates in a simple way. The parent company covers every administrative cost. That choice allows the foundation to send one hundred percent of store donations and event contributions straight into community initiatives. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this conversation, Grayson Harris interviews Jamie Merrill, the president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida. They discuss the organization's mission, the importance of engaging youth through programs like the Teen Advisory Council, and the challenges and successes of nonprofit leadership.Jamie shares her transition from the business world to the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the significance of building strong relationships with board members and navigating mission creep. The conversation also highlights the importance of collaboration among nonprofits and the exciting future plans for the Boys and Girls Club. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, host Grayson Harris speaks with Renee Yandel, Executive Director of HIV Alliance, a community based organization serving 15 counties across Oregon. HIV Alliance provides holistic services for people living with HIV and those at highest risk, from nursing and pharmacy care to housing, behavioral health, and harm reduction services.Renee shares her personal journey from intern and volunteer to executive director, and explains how the organization uses harm reduction, collaboration, and community voice to guide its mission and expansion, including the launch of the new Lavender Network LGBTQ Health and Wellness Center. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In Episode 134 of the Charity Charge Show, host Stephen Garten sits down with David Gottfried, founder of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the World Green Building Council, and the architect behind the LEED green building rating system. What begins as a conversation about sustainable buildings quickly expands into something much deeper. It becomes a straight talking roadmap for nonprofit leaders who are trying to build something that feels larger than their budget, their team, or the confidence they have at this moment.Gottfried takes listeners into the early days of USGBC, the doubt that nearly stopped the movement, and the stubborn persistence required to turn a simple idea into a global force. The episode is part biography, part masterclass, and part call to action for founders who know their work matters but feel the weight of the climb. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight Series, Grayson Harris interviews Emily Acevedo, Executive Director of Butte Humane Society. They discuss the organization's mission, the concept of limited admission shelters, and the importance of veterinary services in reducing euthanasia rates. Emily shares her journey from veterinary clinic manager to executive director, highlighting the challenges and successes in fundraising and community engagement. The conversation also touches on upcoming events and the impact of donations on the lives of animals in need. ---------------------------About Charity ChargeCharity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card to bookkeeping, gift card disbursements, and state compliance, we help mission-driven organizations streamline operations and stay financially strong. Learn more at charitycharge.com.