The Charity Charge Show

In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, Robert Santana, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to leading a nonprofit organization. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, innovative approaches to community challenges, and the evolution of leadership roles in nonprofitsRobert discusses the significance of building trust, creating pathways for education and employment, and the future initiatives aimed at empowering youth. His insights reflect a commitment to collaboration and community engagement, highlighting the transformative impact of nonprofits.About Charity Charge:Charity 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 Non-Profit Spotlight Series, Matt Bradshaw interviews Dr. Trey McMullen, who shares his journey from military service to founding the SYOTOS Foundation. Dr. McMullen discusses his experiences in various nonprofit sectors, including human trafficking and sexual assault, and emphasizes the importance of community support and mentorship for vulnerable populations.He also explores the balance between commercial innovation and philanthropic impact, highlighting the need for facilities and resources to support survivors and those in need.About Charity Charge:Charity 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 sit down with Jeff Eysaman, CEO of Christopher Community (CCI), to talk nonprofit leadership, collaboration, and the future of affordable housing in Central and Western New York.From early lessons at Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA to guiding an organization that manages 3,000+ units across 68 properties, Jeff shares how “housing is our vehicle, people are our business.”Key TakeawaysLead as a listener. Early leadership roles taught Jeff to be an authentic, “listen-first” leader who values collaboration and invests in people.Operate to amplify impact. Mission-first requires strong operations—budgets, partnerships, and efficiencies that make programs sustainable.Housing is community infrastructure. CCI’s work extends beyond buildings to convening partners, advocating for residents, and bringing wraparound services on-site.Hope is in the momentum. With housing elevated in local, state, and federal conversations—and strong community partners—solutions are within reach.Better together. Scarcity mindsets hold nonprofits back; ecosystems of partners help families thrive and attract the next generation of talent.About Charity Charge:Charity 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, host Matt Bradshaw speaks with Justin Pasquariello, the CEO of East Boston Social Centers. They discuss Justin's journey into the nonprofit sector, the mission and impact of East Boston Social Centers, and the importance of understanding community needs.Justin shares insights on balancing mission and administration, engaging the board, and diversifying funding sources. The conversation also touches on the role of storytelling in fundraising, collaboration with other nonprofits, and the impact of technology and AI in the sector. Justin emphasizes the need for nonprofits to adapt to changing landscapes and the importance of community involvement in achieving their missions.About Charity Charge:Charity 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, we speak with Stacey Charpentier, the Executive Director of the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR). We discuss Stacey's journey in the nonprofit sector, the mission of CCAR, and the challenges faced in nonprofit leadership, particularly regarding funding. Stacey shares insights on the importance of community support, transparency in leadership, and innovative solutions like the new Coachally platform for recovery coaching. The conversation emphasizes the need for ongoing advocacy and the positive impact of recovery support services.About Charity Charge:Charity 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, Stephen sits down with Ann Fellman, CMO at Bloomerang, to unpack what’s actually happening in charitable giving and how nonprofits can raise more—consistently. Drawing from the latest Giving USA data and Bloomerang’s vantage point across tens of thousands of organizations, Ann argues that the “decline in generosity” narrative is a myth.Generosity is shifting, not shrinking, and organizations that focus on relationships, recurring giving, and volunteer engagement are outperforming the sector.“Generosity is alive and well—and growing. When we build genuine relationships and make giving easy, nonprofits raise more.” — Ann FellmanAbout Our GuestAnn Fellman leads marketing at Bloomerang, a nonprofit giving platform that brings together donor CRM, fundraising (online, offline, events, auctions), and volunteer management in one place. Bloomerang’s goal is simple: help nonprofits raise more—money, time, and community support—by making it easier to build lasting relationships.Episode SnapshotGenerosity is growing. Individual giving remains the largest slice of the pie and has increased year over year. Don’t let negative headlines drive your strategy—follow the data.The “meaty middle” matters. Mid-level and first-time donors can become a predictable revenue engine with a thoughtful recurring giving strategy.Volunteers are super-supporters. Treat volunteer time as an on-ramp to deeper engagement; volunteers often become major donors and planned givers.Planned giving is changing. As the Great Wealth Transfer accelerates and more family foundations adopt spend-down policies, proactive relationship-building is essential.Make it easy to give. Donation page UX and integrated tools can materially lift conversion (Ann cited ~30% conversion lift for customers optimizing with Bloomerang’s fundraising tools).Data + empathy = durable growth. Segment by life stage, align asks to donor capacity and timing (yes, market cycles influence larger gifts), and communicate impact clearly.About Charity Charge:Charity 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, Amanda Paktinat, the interim CEO of the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming, discusses the organization's local impact, misconceptions about its services, and the importance of community support. She highlights the role of volunteers, the evolution of fundraising, and the significance of building strong donor relationships.Amanda also shares insights on emergency preparedness, team engagement, and her transition into leadership, emphasizing the need for kindness and staying true to the mission in uncertain times.About Charity Charge:Charity 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, Dr. David Ruttenberg shares his journey from the music industry to founding a company focused on creating wearable technology for neurodivergent individuals. He discusses the personal motivations behind his work, particularly his experiences as a parent of a neurodivergent child. Dr. Ruttenberg also highlights the importance of community engagement and cultural sensitivity in non-profit work, particularly in the context of the FAU Center for Autism. He emphasizes the need for education and advocacy to support individuals with invisible differences.TakeawaysDr. Ruttenberg transitioned from the music industry to focus on neurodiversity.Feebex was inspired by his daughter Phoebe's experiences with autism.The wearable technology aims to help individuals navigate sensory sensitivities.Cultural sensitivity is crucial in addressing autism in diverse communities.Community engagement can drive systemic change in non-profit work.The importance of lived experience in non-profit board members.Education is key to understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals.Advocacy for invisible differences is essential in society.Collaboration with the community enhances the effectiveness of non-profits.Personal experiences can lead to innovative solutions in the non-profit sector.About Charity Charge:Charity 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 the latest episode of the Charity Charged Show, we sit down with Skyler Badenoch, CEO of Hope for Haiti, to explore the organization’s mission and its far-reaching impact in southern Haiti. With over 35 years of experience serving Haitian families, Hope for Haiti continues to transform lives through education, healthcare, clean water, and economic development.About Charity Charge:Charity 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.

Sometimes, one small moment can transform a life. That’s exactly what happened to Kylee McGrane-Zarnoch, founder and executive director of A Moment of Magic, when a personal experience with hospitalized loved ones inspired her to start visiting pediatric patients dressed as a princess.What began as a college passion project in a dorm room has grown into a national nonprofit organization that operates in over 350 hospitals and communities.In this episode of the Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight Series, we speak Kylee to explore the origins of A Moment of Magic, how it evolved through the pandemic, the power of volunteer-led chapters, and the crucial role of community in keeping the mission alive.About Charity Charge:Charity 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.

For nearly five decades, AMIS Atlanta (Atlanta Ministry with International Students) has quietly but powerfully changed the lives of thousands of international students through a simple yet profound approach: friendship.In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, we sit down with Camille Kesler, Executive Director of AMIS, to discuss how the organization welcomes students from across the globe and connects them with local volunteers.Drawing on her decades of leadership in both corporate and nonprofit sectors—including roles with Rebuilding Together Atlanta, Junior League of Atlanta, and more, Camille brings an empathetic, entrepreneurial, and strategic approach to AMIS.The conversation dives into the value of cross-cultural relationships, the challenges of running a lean nonprofit, the art of board governance, and the deeper impact of hospitality as a tool for peacebuilding.About AMIS AtlantaFounded in 1978 by Dr. Fahed Abu Akhel, an international student from Palestine, AMIS was created with a vision: that every international student studying in Atlanta should feel welcomed, supported, and valued.What started as a ministry rooted in local churches has evolved into a non-religious 501(c)(3) organization that partners with volunteers and students of all backgrounds.At its core, AMIS provides friendship, hospitality, and cultural connection. Through programs like the Amigo one-on-one friendship match, annual welcome receptions, and Thanksgiving dinner placements, AMIS helps international students feel at home—and in doing so, fosters mutual understanding and global goodwill.About Charity Charge:Charity 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.

Founded in 1997, Figure Skating in Harlem is more than just a skating program—it’s a transformational youth development organization blending athleticism with academics and leadership development. In this interview for the Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight, we speak with Sharon Cohen, founder and CEO, about how the organization got started, the power of storytelling, and why building infrastructure and community support are key to long-term nonprofit success.About Charity Charge:Charity 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 someone is battling cancer, nourishment is often the last thing on their mind, yet it’s one of the most critical factors in treatment and recovery. In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, we sat down with Courtney Johnson, Founder & CEO of Culinary Care, to hear how her personal journey sparked a movement delivering meals and hope — to cancer patients.A Mission Born from Personal LossCourtney’s story began in 2006, when she lost her father to lung cancer. During his treatment, neighbors and friends brought meals to her family every day. Those meals provided more than nourishment, they brought comfort, normalcy, and moments of joy during a painful time.Years later, after graduating college, Courtney found herself asking a simple but profound question: What about families who don’t have that kind of support network? That question planted the seed for Culinary Care.The nonprofit launched in Chicago with a simple vision: combine culinary excellence with human care to deliver meals that restore dignity and community to patients facing cancer treatment.About Charity Charge:Charity 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.

As part of the Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight Series, we had the privilege of speaking with Arundati Dandapani, Founder and CEO of Generation1.ca. Arundati's path into the nonprofit world is rooted in a lifelong passion for storytelling and empathy — from publishing her first short story at eight years old, to teaching writing workshops inside prisons, to leading initiatives that bridge data, creativity, and social impact.Her organization, Generation1.ca, has grown into a thriving professional community that equips immigrants with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed in a new country.With more than 2,000 members and a mission grounded in education, inclusion, and collaboration, Generation1.ca is helping transform the newcomer experience in North America.In our conversation, Arundati shares how her personal journey shaped her leadership, why storytelling remains at the heart of her work, and how her team is building a future where immigrant voices are not only heard but celebrated.

On this episode of the Charity Charge Show, we sat down with Valieria Koss, Executive Director of The RennerVation Foundation, to talk about their mission to create joy, growth, and belonging for foster and at-risk youth in Nevada and beyond.From transformative summer camps to innovative new housing programs, Valieria and her team are helping young people not just survive, but thrive as they transition into adulthood.About The RennerVation FoundationFounded by actor Jeremy Renner alongside his sister Kim Renner (a child welfare professional) and a team of dedicated leaders, The RennerVation Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing safe spaces, life skills, and supportive programs for foster and at-risk youth.Their values—integrity, accountability, empowerment, compassion, inclusivity, respect, collaboration, innovation, and excellence—are the foundation for everything they do.Whether it’s through summer camps, Christmas celebrations, or ongoing wraparound services, their programs are built to meet children and young adults where they are and help them discover their purpose and joy.About Charity Charge:Charity 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, hosts Matt and Grayson sit down with Alexx Goeller, CEO of Wasteless Solutions, a nonprofit making a significant reduction in food waste in Utah. Alex shares her journey into the nonprofit sector, driven by a passion for community service and sustainability. She discusses how Wasteless focuses on diverting edible food from landfills to combat food waste and food insecurity.More Than a Rescue MissionWasteless's approach goes beyond simply collecting and distributing food. They've developed a multi-faceted strategy to maximize their impact.Food Rescue: This is the heart of their operation. They divert surplus food from retailers, restaurants, and other sources, ensuring that perfectly good food doesn't end up in a landfill.Neighborhood Nourishment: Wasteless transforms rescued food into nutritious meals and distributes them through mobile markets. This innovative model brings healthy food directly to communities that have limited access to it.Education: They also host classes and provide practical tips to help individuals reduce their own food waste at home. This educational component empowers people to be part of the solution, creating a ripple effect of positive change.About Charity Charge:Charity 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 the latest episode of The Charity Charge Show, hosts Matt and Grayson sit down with Dana Yaari, Emergency Response Team Lead for the monday.com Foundation. Dana shares her unconventional journey from investment banking to humanitarian work and how she now helps frontline aid organizations operate faster, smarter, and more collaboratively during times of crisis.At the heart of monday.com’s humanitarian efforts is a simple but powerful mission: helping aid organizations respond faster and more effectively.The Emergency Response Team (ERT) provides pro bono support to nonprofits and humanitarian agencies, creating custom workflows and digital tools that streamline everything from:Needs assessments in the field, with real-time dashboards for decision-makingAid distribution systems to track inventory and deliveriesVolunteer coordination tools to safely onboard, assign, and manage large numbers of community helpersBy transforming processes that once relied on spreadsheets, emails, or WhatsApp, monday.com enables frontline responders to operate with clarity and efficiency, even amid chaos. About Charity Charge:Charity 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, Stephen Garten and co-host Grayson Harris talk with Krista Lamp, Senior Director of Nonprofit Communications at GoFundMe, about how technology, storytelling, and strategic engagement can help nonprofits raise more funds and connect with supporters.Krista shares how the transition of Classy into GoFundMe Pro combines the best of both platforms—offering robust fundraising tools with the global reach of GoFundMe’s donor network. The discussion covers recurring giving, community engagement, and how nonprofits can claim their free GoFundMe pages to boost visibility.What is GoFundMe Pro?GoFundMe Pro is a complete fundraising platform designed to help nonprofits grow their support base and achieve their fundraising goals. From customizable campaigns to peer-to-peer events and corporate giving integrations, the platform enables organizations to meet supporters where they are and inspire more contributions.Key Platform Features:Recurring Giving: Encourage consistent monthly support.Branded Donation Forms: Keep your campaigns visually consistent and mobile-friendly.Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Empower supporters to fundraise on your behalf.Comprehensive Dashboard: View giving history, track campaign progress, and analyze trends. About Charity Charge:Charity 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 a recent episode of The Charity Charge Show, guest host Grayson Harris sat down with Angela Blake, Senior Product Manager at GiveWP, to explore the future of nonprofit fundraising tools. With a background in WordPress product development and a passion for empowering mission-driven organizations, Angela shared how GiveWP is shaping the way nonprofits build communities, manage donors, and scale their impact—all from within their WordPress website.Whether you're a local food pantry or a national nonprofit network, this episode is packed with actionable insights on leveraging technology to fundraise smarter, build recurring revenue, and deepen donor relationships.TakeawaysAngela transitioned from GoDaddy to GiveWP to support nonprofits.GiveWP offers a comprehensive suite of fundraising tools for nonprofits.Customization options in GiveWP enhance donor engagement.Nonprofits are increasingly relying on community support for funding.GiveWP integrates with various external systems for donor management.The onboarding process for nonprofits is user-friendly and supportive.Large organizations need interconnected systems for data management.GiveWP supports multiple languages and currencies for global reach.Recurring donations are vital for nonprofit financial health.Effective communication is key to building community support.About Charity Charge:Charity 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, Stephen Garten interviews Shilpa Alva, founder and executive director of Surge for Water. Shilpa shares her journey of founding the nonprofit, inspired by her childhood experiences in India. Surge for Water focuses on providing comprehensive water solutions, emphasizing community ownership and women's leadership.Shilpa discusses the organization's impact, growth strategies, and the importance of diversifying revenue sources. She also reflects on her transition from the corporate world to running Surge full-time, highlighting the challenges and rewards of nonprofit leadership.TakeawaysSurge for Water focuses on Water Plus: water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health.Shilpa's childhood experiences in India inspired her to address water inequity.Community ownership is essential for sustainable solutions.Women's leadership is prioritized in Surge's approach.The organization has impacted nearly 800,000 people through various projects.Surge is moving towards a model of enterprise to sustain its initiatives.Diversifying revenue sources is crucial for nonprofit growth.Building a strong team and board is vital for organizational success.Shilpa emphasizes the importance of planning before transitioning to full-time nonprofit work.The fear of leaving a stable job can be overcome with careful planning and passion.About Charity Charge:Charity 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.