CWGAH Live Series: Empowering Nonprofits for the Future with Hannah Cobley

In this episode, they chat about: the day-to-day realities of running a nonprofit as a small two-person team common misconceptions about nonprofit work, staffing, and fundraising the emotional and financial realities families face during childhood cancer treatment how Hannah's own cancer journey inspired Lighthouse for Hope why community support can change the trajectory of a family's experience providing practical support through grocery cards, household essentials, and peer connection supporting siblings, parents, and caregivers alongside pediatric patients the impact of the Hope Families and Holidays for Hope programs creating transformative experiences through the Illuminate Retreat for young women in treatment how entrepreneurs and communities can support nonprofits beyond donations   Resources + Links: Learn more about Lighthouse for Hope at www.lighthouseforhope.org Follow them on Instagram:Hannah Cobley @hannahdcobLighthouse for Hope @lighthouseforhope   Grow your brand, income, and impact! Learn more on our website ellyandnoracreative.com Connect with Sara on Instagram | @sarachamberscreative @ellyandnoracreative For show notes, resources, and more, visit Chicks Who Give a Hoot Follow along with the podcast on Instagram | @chickswhogiveahoot Get a Free Brand Audit → www.ellyandnoracreative.com/brand-audit   Show Notes: This episode features Hannah Cobley, Founder and Executive Director of Lighthouse for Hope, recorded live at the 2026 Chicks Who Give a Hoot Live Event as part of a three-episode panel series. Hannah shares the realities of leading a small but growing nonprofit organization, from balancing fundraising, events, volunteer coordination, and family support to navigating the misconceptions people often have about nonprofit work and staffing. The conversation also dives deeper into the personal story that inspired Lighthouse for Hope. After facing leukemia as a young adult, Hannah witnessed firsthand how many families navigate cancer treatment without adequate support, community, or financial stability. She opens up about seeing children attend treatment alone, families living out of their cars, and parents forced to choose between work and being present during treatment. Hannah shares how those experiences shaped Lighthouse for Hope's mission to ensure no family fights alone through practical, emotional, and community-based support. She discusses the organization's core programs, including Hope Families, Holidays for Hope, sibling support events, peer support gatherings for moms, and the Illuminate Retreat for young women undergoing cancer treatment. Lighthouse For Hope is a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating childhood cancer and blood disorders. What began as Hannah's deeply personal mission has grown into a trusted organization providing financial assistance, emotional support, peer connection, and hope to vulnerable families across Arizona and beyond.   00:00 About Hannah Cobley 00:35 Welcome to the Show 01:52 Nonprofit Reality Check 03:42 Funding and Support Gaps 04:44 Hannah's Cancer Story 07:15 Lighthouse Programs 09:56 Applause and Call to Give