The NonProfit Podcast Network

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has played a defining role in cardiovascular research, public health education, advocacy, and lifesaving care across the country. But many people may not fully realize just how deeply the organization influences the systems, protocols, and community programs that impact millions of lives every year.In this episode of The NonProfit Podcast Network, I sit down with Suzanne Bartlett, Associate Executive Vice President, to explore the mission and modern evolution of the American Heart Association — from groundbreaking research funding and hospital partnerships to CPR education, youth outreach, advocacy work, and community health initiatives throughout Northern California.We discuss how the organization collaborates with hospitals, schools, churches, nonprofits, and business leaders to improve long-term health outcomes, while also addressing issues like food insecurity, access to care, women’s heart health, and preventative education.Suzanne also shares insights into the organization’s fundraising model, the importance of volunteer leadership, and why Sacramento has emerged as one of the nation’s leading markets for community engagement and support of the American Heart Association's Women of Impact.Whether you know the organization through Go Red for Women, the Heart Walk, CPR training, or simply its global reputation, this conversation offers a compelling behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most impactful nonprofit organizations. Short Chapter Overview00:00 — Introduction to the American Heart Association 02:10 — Prevention, education, and Life’s Essential 8 05:00 — Reaching younger generations through schools and youth programs 07:45 — Research, evolving treatment, and trusted science 11:30 — Partnerships with hospitals, churches, and community organizations 15:20 — CPR education and building a “Nation of Lifesavers” 20:15 — Funding the mission and national impact 25:00 — Women’s heart health and Go Red for Women 31:00 — Advocacy, volunteers, and community engagement 33:20 — Personal stories and the impact of research advances 38:00 — Beyond the Mission rapid-fire questions 40:15 — How to support and connect with the American Heart AssociationTo learn more, visit https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/california/northern-californiaThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...Big Day of Giving 2026 is officially in the books—and it was the largest in the event’s history.In this special recap episode of the Nonprofit NewsPod, I’m joined once again by Kelly Siefkin from the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to reflect on a remarkable day of generosity, community engagement, and philanthropic momentum across the Sacramento region.The final numbers are staggering:$15.4 million raised62,017 donations29,091 donors886 nonprofit organizations supportedTogether, our region has now raised more than $132 million since Big Day of Giving began in 2013.But beyond the record-setting totals, this conversation highlights something even bigger: the power of community participation at every level.From $10 gifts to major matching campaigns, this year demonstrated that philanthropy is not reserved for a select few—it belongs to everyone.What We Discuss in This Episode: How the live leaderboard became must-watch viewing throughout the night  The dramatic final push past $15 million  Why smaller nonprofits benefited in powerful ways this year  The growing impact of matching gifts and board participation  New giving trends including donor-advised funds, QCDs, PayPal, and stock donations  The role unrestricted giving plays in nonprofit sustainability  Why Big Day of Giving is not a competition—but a spotlight on generosity  How preparation, mentorship, and training directly impacted nonprofit success We also recognize the sponsors, nonprofit leaders, volunteers, board members, and thousands of donors who helped make this year possible.This episode is more than a recap—it’s a celebration of what happens when an entire region chooses to show up for its nonprofits.Brief Chapter Overview Record-Breaking Night Recap  The Final Push Past $15 Million  Key Numbers & Participation Stats  Why Small Nonprofits Won Big  The Growth of Matching Gifts  New Giving Trends in 2026  Why BDOG Is Bigger Than Competition  Gratitude for Sponsors & Donors  Looking Ahead to 2027See it all in every way on the website: https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this NonProfit Podcast Network NewsPod, I sit down with Impact100 Greater Sacramento President Sarina Paulson, alongside leaders from U.S. Bank, to unpack one of the most exciting philanthropic stories in our region this year.What started as a hopeful push toward a $500,000 grant pool didn’t quite get there on reveal night—but this community wasn’t done.With 413 members rallying together, a powerful Match Me campaign, and last-minute leadership support from corporate partners and individual donors, Impact100 didn’t just get close… they crossed the finish line.Here’s what that means:A $500,000 grant pool to be distributed amongst 5 nonprofit organizationsThat means five $100,000 transformational grantsContinued momentum for one of the fastest-growing philanthropic movements in SacramentoWe also explore the deeper story behind the dollars—why collective giving works, how relationships drive impact, and why organizations like Impact100 are changing the way communities fund their future.With nearly $1.5 million invested into local nonprofits in just four years, this milestone is more than a number—it’s proof of what’s possible when people come together with purpose.🔗 Learn more: Impact100 Greater SacramentoTo learn more about the two organizations that rolled it over the top, you can find them in the links below.New York Life:  https://www.newyorklife.com/contact-usUS Bank:  https://www.usbank.com/index.htmlThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...What if the power of a wish didn’t stop at childhood?In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Berger, founder of Silver Wishes—an organization built on a simple but powerful idea: seniors deserve the same moments of hope, dignity, and joy that we so often create for children.But what I found most compelling in this conversation is that these aren’t bucket-list wishes. They’re real, immediate needs—things like fixing a car, restoring air conditioning, or providing mobility support. Small things on the surface… that completely change someone’s ability to live independently and with pride.Stephanie shares how this idea was born during COVID, inspired by her own family’s experience, and how it’s grown into a movement that’s quietly transforming lives across our community. We also talk about what she calls the “dandelion effect”—how one fulfilled wish can ripple outward, inspiring others to step in and create even more impact.This is a conversation about empathy, about community, and about recognizing a population that too often goes unseen.To learn more about Silver Wishes you can visit the website https://silverwishes.org/. Or you can call  916-287-7172. Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...With Big Day of Giving just days away, this final installment of the NewsPod series brings together the most important insights, strategies, and reminders to help donors, businesses, and nonprofits maximize their impact.I’m joined once again by Kelly Siefkin to wrap up a five-part series leading into one of the most important philanthropic days in our region.We revisit what’s working, what’s trending, and what still matters most—community participation.What We Cover:Business Engagement is Up More companies stepping in with matching gifts and prize incentives Creative engagement through team pages, yard signs, and social sharing Increased visibility translating into stronger community momentum More Ways to Give Than Ever Traditional giving meets modern tools: Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay Growth in donor-advised funds and IRA-qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) First-time stock donations entering the mix  Quick giving tools like “refill your cart” make participation easier than ever Philanthropy for Everyone The $10 minimum makes giving accessible to all  A powerful reminder: collective small gifts drive massive impact A great opportunity to teach the next generation about givingTrust-Based Philanthropy Matters Emphasis on unrestricted funding gives nonprofits flexibility  Encourages donors to trust organizations to meet their greatest needs Helps shift outdated expectations toward mission-driven impactFinal Call to Action Give to organizations you love—and discover one you don’t yet know  Share on social and amplify the movement  Consider becoming an ambassador to extend your reach  Remember: this day belongs to the community With over 900+ nonprofits participating and millions on the line, Big Day of Giving isn’t just about donations—it’s about connection, visibility, and collective impact. Why It MattersThis episode isn’t just a recap—it’s a rallying cry.Big Day of Giving works because thousands of people choose to show up. Whether it’s $10 or $10,000, every action contributes to a larger story: a community investing in itself.And beyond the day itself, the bigger takeaway is this—philanthropy isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s for everyone.Let's make it the best ever!Visit https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this episode, I'm speaking with Kara Green, co-founder and executive director of ABLED, alongside Kelsey Emmett, a participant whose journey captures exactly why this work matters.What began as a deeply personal mission to support Kara’s son Ben—who is on the autism spectrum—has grown into a thriving organization helping transition-age youth and young adults develop the skills needed for meaningful, independent employment.ABLED fills a critical gap. For individuals who are ready to work but need additional support to build stamina, confidence, and real-world experience, this program provides a structured pathway forward. Through job training, community partnerships, and hands-on opportunities like working at Sutter Health Park, clients gain both technical and emotional skills that prepare them for long-term success.From serving just five individuals to now supporting more than 50 clients annually, ABLED is proving that when people are given the right environment and support, they don’t just participate—they thrive.This conversation highlights not only the systems change needed in workforce development for people with disabilities, but also the human side of growth—confidence built, fears overcome, and futures reimagined.💡 Why It MattersThere’s a staggering reality at the center of this conversation: roughly 80% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed or underemployed. ABLED is directly addressing that gap—creating a bridge between potential and opportunity.This episode is a reminder that inclusion isn’t just about access—it’s about preparation, belief, and building systems that actually work for people.⏱️ Chapter Timestamps (YouTube-Friendly)00:00 – Welcome + The Origin of ABLED 02:00 – From 5 Clients to 50+ Served 04:00 – The Gap Between School and Employment 06:00 – What “Graduation” Looks Like 08:00 – Real Work Experience: Sutter Health Park 10:00 – Community Partnerships + Collaborations 13:00 – Funding + Grassroots Support 15:00 – Big Vision: Scaling ABLED Nationwide 18:00 – Measuring Impact Beyond Data 21:00 – Confidence, Growth, and Breakthrough Moments 24:00 – Greatest Needs: Volunteers + Transportation 27:00 – Success Stories + Real Outcomes 30:00 – Beyond the Mission (Personal Side of Leadership) 33:00 – Closing Reflections + Community ImpactThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this fourth installment of the Big Day of Giving NewsPod series, once again, I'm speaking with Kelly Siefkin to explore the evolving landscape of philanthropy—and what it means for donors and nonprofits alike. From trust-based giving and donor-advised funds to the rise of non-cash assets and younger donor engagement, we break down the trends shaping how people give today.We also tackle the real barriers that hold people back—perception, time, money, and complexity—and how Big Day of Giving is designed to remove them. Whether you’re a seasoned donor or just getting started, this conversation offers a clear and encouraging path to participation.Bottom line: philanthropy isn’t reserved for the few—it’s accessible to everyone, and Big Day of Giving makes it easier than ever to be part of something bigger. Big Day of Giving is May 7th. Learn more by visiting the website: https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this episode, I'm talking with Mary Tess Mail, Executive Director of Blue Line Arts, to explore how a small, volunteer-driven art initiative from 1966 has grown into a cornerstone of arts and culture in the Roseville region.We talk about the organization’s evolution over six decades, its expanding role in public art and education, and how it’s meeting the needs of a rapidly growing community. From gallery exhibitions to murals, student programs to artist residencies, Blue Line Arts is proving that creativity isn’t just something you display—it’s something you build into the fabric of a community.What stands out most is their commitment to connection: connecting artists with collectors, students with opportunity, and communities with shared experiences through art.💡 Why It MattersArts organizations like Blue Line Arts don’t just showcase creativity—they create access.In a time when schools are still struggling to fully integrate arts education, and communities are rapidly changing, organizations like this become essential bridges. They introduce students to new possibilities, support local artists in building sustainable careers, and transform public spaces into shared cultural experiences.This episode highlights how intentional investment in the arts leads to stronger, more connected communities—and why that matters now more than ever.To learn more about Blue Line Arts, visit: https://www.bluelinearts.org/⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome & 60-Year Legacy 02:30 – From Small Town to Cultural Hub 06:15 – Growth of Roseville & Demand for Arts 09:00 – Beyond the Gallery: Programs & Partnerships 13:20 – Public Art & The Roseville Mural Project 17:45 – Digital Art & The Next Generation of Creators 21:30 – The Role of AI in Art Today 25:10 – Community Collaborations & Regional Impact 29:40 – Arts Education & Student Transformation 35:20 – Funding Model & Sustainability 40:10 – Measuring Impact Beyond Numbers 45:00 – The “Blank Check” Vision 49:30 – Beyond the Mission (Rapid Fire) 52:00 – Building Connection Through Art (Closing Story)Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this third installment of our Big Day of Giving series with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, I'm talking, once again, with Chief Philanthropy Officer Kelly Siefkin to explore one of the most exciting new opportunities in local giving: the Impact Collaborative.This episode breaks down how anyone—yes, anyone—can step into philanthropy through a simple, accessible model. For just $300 annually (or $25/month), individuals can join a giving circle that pools resources, builds knowledge, and empowers members to collectively decide where grant dollars go.We also dig into the broader concept of giving circles—how they work, why they’re growing in popularity, and how you can even start your own with friends, colleagues, or community groups.As Big Day of Giving approaches, this conversation highlights a powerful truth: philanthropy isn’t reserved for the few—it’s available to all of us.💡 Why It MattersThis episode reframes philanthropy as something inclusive, social, and learnable—not just transactional.The Impact Collaborative lowers the barrier to entry while increasing engagement, education, and community connection. It’s not just about giving—it’s about understanding where your dollars go and having a voice in the outcome. For many, Big Day of Giving is the first step. The Impact Collaborative is how that step turns into a sustained journey.For more information, visit https://www.sacregcf.org/You can also make the call to learn more: 916-921-7723Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this episode, I sit down with Katie Campbell from RedRover to explore a critical but often overlooked reality—people in crisis may delay or avoid seeking safety because they can’t bring their pets with them.We unpack how RedRover is addressing this gap through emergency veterinary grants, domestic violence safe housing support, disaster response, and youth education programs. From wildfire deployments to quiet, behind-the-scenes grant work, this conversation reveals how compassion for animals directly impacts human safety and decision-making.What stood out most is this: protecting pets isn’t separate from protecting people—it’s deeply connected. 💡 Why It MattersToo often, systems designed to help people in crisis overlook one critical piece—their pets.When nearly all survivors say their decision to leave is influenced by whether their pet can come with them, this isn’t a niche issue—it’s a major barrier to safety.Organizations like RedRover aren’t just helping animals. They’re removing barriers, accelerating escape from dangerous situations, and preserving the emotional bonds that help people heal.This is what real, holistic support looks like.To learn more about RedRover visit their website: https://redrover.org/CHAPTERS00:00 – Introduction to RedRover and the human-animal bond 02:00 – Katie’s story and the “lightbulb moment” 04:30 – What RedRover does: core programs overview 07:30 – Pets and domestic violence: the hidden barrier to leaving 11:00 – Expanding into homelessness and broader crisis support 13:30 – Scaling nationally and building partnerships 17:00 – Funding model and donor-driven sustainability 19:30 – The big vision: working themselves out of a job 23:00 – Training communities and breaking down silos 28:00 – Educating youth and building long-term compassionThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...This episode focuses on how donors can engage in Big Day of Giving beyond just making a financial contribution. I'm speaking again, with Kelly Siefkin, Chief Philanthropy Officer. While online donations remain the most common, donors can also give through donor-advised funds, stock contributions, qualified charitable distributions, and even by pledging volunteer hours or in-kind support.We explore key trends shaping modern philanthropy—especially the rise of donor-advised funds, employer matching, and the growing impact of collective giving, where even small contributions add up to significant community-wide impact. With over $13 million raised last year, it’s clear that participation at every level matters.The episode also introduces new tools like the Discovery Assistant to help donors easily find organizations aligned with their interests, making it simpler than ever to support both familiar causes and discover new ones.At its core, this conversation reinforces a powerful idea: philanthropy is for everyone. Whether it’s $10, time volunteered, or a long-term giving strategy, Big Day of Giving is an accessible entry point—and a catalyst—for deeper, ongoing community impact.Visit: https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...This episode is unique. I'm speaking with Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director of the National Stewardship Action Council and Humboldt County Supervisor, Michelle Bushnell on a topic that was born out of a concern for waste. Yes, aluminum cannisters. It turns out they're now leaders on the front lines of a growing and largely misunderstood crisis—nitrous oxide abuse. What many people recognize as a harmless, food-grade product used for whipped cream has quietly evolved into an inexpensive, highly accessible substance with devastating consequences. We unpack the reality of how nitrous oxide is being used today—from small “whippet” cartridges to large flavored canisters designed and marketed in ways that clearly appeal to misuse. You'll hear something deeply concerning: stories of addiction that rivals other substances, environmental damage from widespread disposal, and tragic, often preventable deaths.Making this even more complex is the gap between legality and impact. Nitrous oxide is technically a legal, food-grade product, there are virtually no age restrictions, limited regulatory frameworks, and significant challenges when it comes to enforcement. It’s incredibly difficult to test for nitrous oxide in the body—leaving families without answers and accountability out of reach.We also explore the policy side—local ordinances, statewide legislation, and the very real challenges of enforcement. Without meaningful accountability and a coordinated approach across public health, law enforcement, and retail regulation, this issue will continue to grow.This episode is about more than awareness. It’s about recognizing a public health crisis that is hiding in plain sight—and understanding what it will take to address it.Without clear regulation or enforcement mechanisms, communities are left reacting to the consequences rather than preventing them. From fatal car accidents to long-term neurological damage, the impacts ripple far beyond the individual—affecting families, public safety systems, and entire communities.For nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and community advocates, this is a reminder that some of the most pressing issues aren’t always the most visible. Addressing them requires collaboration, education, and a willingness to challenge outdated systems that no longer reflect current realities.Learn more on the website: https://www.nsaction.us/casb936nitrousoxidebanEmail Heidi: [email protected]:00 – Introduction to Nitrous Oxide and Why This Conversation Matters03:45 – What Nitrous Oxide Is and How It’s Being Used Today07:30 – From Whippets to Large Canisters: Accessibility and Appeal11:15 – Health Impacts: Addiction, Brain Oxygen Deprivation, and Paralysis16:40 – Real Stories: Fatal Accidents and Community Impact22:10 – Environmental Damage and Waste Management Challenges26:30 – Why It’s So Hard to Regulate and Enforce31:45 – Legislative Efforts aThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this first installment of our Big Day of Giving NewsPod series, I sit down with Kelly Siefkin, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, to explore a powerful but often overlooked driver of impact—business engagement.With over 900 nonprofits participating in this year’s Big Day of Giving on May 7, the largest in its history, the opportunity to support the region has never been greater. And while individual donors play a vital role, businesses are the engine behind much of what makes this day so successful.Kelly breaks down the many ways businesses can get involved—from sponsoring prizes and offering matching gifts, to creating fun, culture-building experiences for employees like giving challenges, in-office events, and customer engagement campaigns.We also explore how Big Day of Giving can be a gateway to year-round philanthropy, including opening a business fund, engaging employees in volunteerism, and leveraging tools like Giving Edge to discover new nonprofit partners.And the impact? It’s real. Last year alone, the community raised $13.8 million in a single day, contributing to over $117 million raised in 13 years. But beyond the dollars, it’s about visibility, connection, and discovering new organizations doing meaningful work right here in our region.If you’re a business leader looking for a simple, powerful way to engage your team and give back—this is your starting point.🔗 Learn more and explore business resources: https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/🎯 Why It MattersBig Day of Giving isn’t just a fundraising event—it’s a community activation moment. And businesses have a unique ability to amplify that impact by engaging employees, customers, and partners in meaningful ways.This episode reframes philanthropy not as an obligation, but as an opportunity—for culture building, leadership development, and visible community impact.Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this episode, I sit down with Elena DeLacey, Executive Director and Marshall Gorham, Land Protection Specialist, of the American River Conservancy to explore what it truly means to protect land—for today and for generations to come. What starts as a conversation about land conservation quickly becomes something much bigger: a look at the interconnected systems that sustain our communities, from forests and wildlife to water, infrastructure, and public access.We talk about the scale of their work—over 31,000 acres protected—and the responsibility that comes with it. Conservation isn’t just about acquiring land; it’s about stewardship in perpetuity. That means maintaining ecosystems, preventing catastrophic wildfire damage, restoring forests, and ensuring that the land continues to serve both people and nature.One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is understanding the ripple effect of environmental impact. A single wildfire doesn’t just burn trees—it affects watersheds, power systems, wildlife habitats, and entire communities downstream. The work American River Conservancy is doing is about getting ahead of those problems before they happen.We also dive into the complexity of collaboration—working with landowners, government agencies, and community partners to bring multi-million dollar projects to life—and the long-term vision required to protect land at scale. From preserving the Cosumnes River corridor to building public access trails that future generations will enjoy, this is legacy work in its truest form.This episode is a reminder that the natural spaces we enjoy don’t stay protected by accident—they stay protected because of organizations like this, doing the hard work of forever.Why It MattersLand conservation isn’t just about preserving open space—it’s about protecting the systems that sustain life and community. The work being done by American River Conservancy impacts water quality, wildfire prevention, biodiversity, recreation, and long-term regional resilience.If we don’t invest in this kind of stewardship now, the cost—environmentally, economically, and socially—will be far greater down the line. This episode highlights why proactive conservation is one of the most important investments a community can make.To learn more, visit their website: https://arconservancy.org/Chapters00:00 – Introduction to American River Conservancy and what a land conservancy does03:00 – Conservation vs. stewardship: the responsibility of “forever”05:30 – Forest management, wildfire prevention, and ecosystem resilience09:00 – The cascading impact of wildfire on water, infrastructure, and communities11:00 – Education, community connection, and building environmental stewardship14:00 – Where time and resources go: the realities of managing 31,000 acres17:00 – Collaboration across landowners, agencies, and nonprofits24:00 – The El Dorado Ranch project: a 7,000-acreThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this NewsPod, I sit down with Colby Bell of New York Life to talk about something Sacramento’s nonprofit community has long deserved—its own moment of recognition.What started as a simple gathering of nonprofit leaders has grown into the first annual Greater Sacramento Impact & Philanthropy (GSIP) Awards—an event designed to celebrate the organizations doing the real, boots-on-the-ground work across our region.Colby shares how this idea evolved from casual mixers into a fully realized awards program, backed by partners like New York Life and Sacramento Venture Philanthropy. Together, they’ve created an opportunity to not only recognize impact—but to invest in it.With 10 award categories, 30 finalists, and an incredible 7,000 community votes, this first-year event is already proving something powerful: Sacramento shows up for its nonprofits.Each category winner will receive $2,500 in unrestricted funding, supporting the critical work happening every day across areas like housing, education, food security, and community building.This isn’t just an event—it’s the beginning of something much bigger.📍 Event DetailsEvent: Greater Sacramento Impact & Philanthropy (GSIP) AwardsDate: April 9Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PMLocation: Arcade Underground, Old SacramentoAdmission: Free (Registration Required)🔗 Registration link: GSIP Registration link🎯 Why It MattersFor years, nonprofits have done extraordinary work—often without the spotlight. This event flips that.It recognizes impact in real time.It brings the community into the process.And it creates momentum for deeper investment in the sector.Most importantly, it sends a message:The work matters—and the people doing it deserve to be seen.🧭 Chapters00:00 – Introduction to the GSIP Awards01:00 – How a simple mixer became something bigger02:00 – Building support and securing funding03:00 – Award categories and community impact areas04:00 – Partner involvement and SVP’s role05:00 – Selecting the 30 finalists06:00 – 7,000 votes and community engagement07:00 – Funding breakdown and award structure08:00 – Event details and how to attend09:00 – Closing thoughts and community invitationThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...This is one of the more powerful conversations I’ve had on the podcast.I sit down with Malcolm Johnson and Colleen McCusker from Good Cause Sacramento—an organization built not from theory, but from lived experience. Malcolm’s journey from addiction and incarceration to building a process that helps others successfully reenter society is nothing short of remarkable.What stood out to me most is this: the system often gives people tools—but not a place to use them. And without that foundation, the cycle continues.Good Cause Sacramento is changing that. Through structure, accountability, and community, they’re helping men and women not just avoid going back—but actually build lives worth staying for.This is a conversation about second chances—but more importantly, what it actually takes to make them work and reduce recidivism to virtually nil. 💡 Why It MattersReal change starts with environment, not intention. Without stability, even the best tools don’t work.Lived experience builds better solutions. Malcolm didn’t study the problem—he lived it.Accountability creates dignity. This model expects participation, not dependence.Second chances need structure. Hope alone isn’t enough—process is what makes it stick.Community plays a role. Jobs, transportation, and opportunity are just as critical as funding.To learn more about Good Cause Sacramento please visit: https://goodcausesac.orgChapter Outline:0:00 — Cold Open: $200, a Bus Stop, and No Way Forward 2:05 — Introduction: Why This Story Matters 3:50 — Malcolm’s Backstory and Breaking Point 6:30 — Prison Realization: Why the Cycle Repeats 9:00 — Release Day Reality: No Support, No Direction 12:00 — The Turning Point: Faith, Story, and Momentum 16:10 — Building Good Cause: From Notes to a Process 20:00 — Why Housing and Structure Come First 25:30 — What Drives an 80% Success Rate 37:30 — Expanding the Model: Women’s House and Growth 43:00 — Success, Vision, and How to HelpThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this NewsPod, I sit down with Anh Phoong—yes, that Anh Phoong—but this time, it’s not about the courtroom or billboards. It’s about something far more personal and urgent.Anh joins me as a Woman of Impact for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign, a nationwide effort focused on raising awareness and funds to fight the number one killer of women: heart disease.What makes this conversation powerful is the why behind her involvement. After her mother suffered a sudden heart attack in 2022, Anh saw firsthand how quickly life can change—and how critical awareness, prevention, and action really are.We talk about:Why heart disease remains the leading cause of death for womenThe reality that 80% of cases are preventableThe importance of advocating for your own healthAnd how a little friendly competition is helping raise serious dollars for lifesaving researchAnh shares how her team is getting creative—from community events to partnerships and grassroots fundraising—to make an impact during this nine-week campaign.But more than anything, this episode is a reminder:👉 Take your health seriously👉 Don’t ignore the signs👉 And don’t wait to actIf something feels wrong—say something, do something, and follow through.You can support Anh’s campaign and the American Heart Association by visiting her fundraising page in the link below.Go Red For Women Link: HEREThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this episode, I sit down with Robert Heidt, President and CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber, to explore the role the Chamber plays in shaping the economic future of the Capital Region. Serving six counties and 22 cities, the Chamber works to convene business leaders, advocate for regional priorities, and create programs that help businesses and communities grow together. Robert shares how chambers have evolved from simple networking organizations into catalysts for economic development, regional collaboration, and leadership development. We talk about signature programs like Cap-to-Cap and Study Mission, the Chamber’s collaboration with organizations like Valley Vision and the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, and why storytelling and relationships remain at the core of building a strong regional economy.We also discuss the importance of supporting small businesses, engaging nonprofit organizations as economic partners, and why Sacramento’s ability to work together across jurisdictions is one of its greatest strengths.To learn more about the chamber visit: https://www.metrochamber.org/To give Robert a call: 916-552-6800Chapter Highlights1. What the Sacramento Metro Chamber Really Does An overview of the Chamber’s role in fostering a strong regional economy and advocating for businesses across six counties and 22 cities.2. Why Chambers of Commerce Still Matter How chambers have evolved from traditional networking groups into strategic conveners of economic leadership.3. The Power of Cap-to-Cap Why Sacramento sends the largest chamber delegation in the country to Washington, D.C., and how advocacy helps shape federal policy.4. Study Missions and Learning from Other Cities How exploring cities like Detroit helps Sacramento identify new opportunities for growth and revitalization.5. Collaboration Across the Region The Chamber’s partnerships with organizations like the Greater Sacramento Economic Council and Valley Vision to drive regional strategy.6. Supporting Small Business and Entrepreneurship Why the Chamber’s work ultimately supports the thousands of small and mid-size businesses that power the regional economy.7. The Speaker Series and Bringing Big Ideas to Sacramento How the Chamber is expanding the Sacramento Speaker Series to bring national thought leaders into the community.8. Leadership Development and the Next Generation Programs designed to nurture young professionals and develop the region’s future business and civic leaders.9. Running a Modern Chamber How the Chamber operates as a member-driven organization serving nearly 2,000 businesses across the region.10. Why Sacramento’s Collaborative Spirit Matters Robert shares why Sacramento’s willingness to work together may be its greatest competitive advantage.Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...Homelessness is often misunderstood. For many women and families, it begins with a single crisis—domestic violence, a medical emergency, or simply the inability to afford housing while raising children.In this episode, I speak with Lisa Culp, founder of Women’s Empowerment, and Robin Kelly-Dunton, a graduate of the program who now serves as chair of its board. Together they share the story of an organization that has spent the last 25 years helping women and children build a pathway out of poverty and homelessness.Robin’s story sits at the heart of our conversation. She arrived at Women’s Empowerment after losing everything—caring for an incapacitated husband, raising a newborn, and struggling with homelessness. What she found when she walked through the doors was something she hadn’t felt in months: hope.Through the organization’s nine-week program, Robin gained job training, mentorship, and the confidence to rebuild her life. That opportunity eventually led to a full-time role in public service, and today she serves as chair of the board for the very organization that helped change her future.Lisa and Robin also talk about the realities facing women experiencing homelessness—especially single mothers—and how Women’s Empowerment combines employment training, childcare, housing support, and mentorship to help families stabilize and move forward.It’s a powerful reminder that when people are given the tools, support, and belief that change is possible, transformation can happen.To learn more about Women's Empowerment, visit https://womens-empowerment.org/Chapters00:00 — Introduction to Women’s Empowerment01:10 — How the Organization Began04:20 — Understanding the Real Causes of Homelessness10:50 — Robin’s Journey to Women’s Empowerment17:00 — Inside the Nine-Week Program24:00 — Employment Partnerships and Career Pathways31:40 — Robin’s Internship and Career Breakthrough37:30 — Community Partnerships That Support the Mission43:30 — Graduates Supporting the Next Generation49:40 — Funding the Work and Sustaining Impact56:10 — The Vision for the Future01:00:30 — How to Support Women’s Empowerment01:02:30 — Closing ReflectionsThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...What happens when a community decides the arts aren’t a luxury — they’re essential?In this episode, I sit down with Allison Cagley, Executive Director and the driving force behind Friends of Sacramento Arts, an organization leading the charge to restore arts and music education in public schools across our region.We talk about what was lost after Prop 13, what’s possible through Prop 28, and why this moment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Sacramento’s students.This conversation goes far beyond paintbrushes and pianos.We explore:Why arts education impacts graduation rates, attendance, and student engagementHow creativity fuels workforce readiness and economic developmentThe long game of advocacy — and why patience and persistence matterThe real challenges of implementing Prop 28 fundingWhat it looks like when students finally have access to choir, band, theater, and visual artsAllison shares how this small but mighty nonprofit has navigated pandemic pivots, state-level partnerships, and school district bureaucracy to keep one bold vision alive:Arts every day. For Every child. In Every school.We also talk about the deeper human impact — the moment when a child beams on stage, when parents from 15 different cultures gather in a school cafeteria to watch their kids shine, and when students say, “The only reason I come to school is my drama class.”That’s not enrichment.That’s belonging.If you care about Sacramento’s future — its culture, workforce, and community vibrancy — this episode matters.About Friends of Sacramento ArtsFriends of Sacramento Arts advocates for equitable, comprehensive arts and music education in public schools. Through policy engagement, statewide partnerships, and community leadership, they are working to ensure every student has access to meaningful arts learning opportunities.🔗 Learn more: https://friendsofsacramentoarts.org🎉 Arts Education Month Celebration: Every MarchThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...Impact 100 Greater Sacramento is now accepting nonprofit grant applications —and this is not just another funding opportunity.In this Newspod, I sit down with Sarina Paulsen, President of Impact 100 Greater Sacramento, to talk about how their collective giving model turns 100 women donating $1,000 into transformational $100,000 grants. Last year alone, more than $450,000 was awarded across Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, and El Dorado counties.We break down eligibility, deadlines, categories, and why even applying brings visibility and connection beyond the grant itself.Applications close March 21, 2026.If your nonprofit has a bold, high-impact project ready to scale, this is your moment.To learn more, visit https://impact100greatersacramento.org/Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...American River Parkway Foundation – Protecting 23 Miles of Sacramento’s BackyardI’m on the American River Parkway multiple times a week. Cycling. Running. Watching the fog rise off the river. And like many of you, I’ve probably taken it for granted.But what if I told you only about 10% of Sacramento County residents recognize the Parkway as a connected 23-mile resource?In this episode, I sit down with Diana Poggetto, Executive Director of the American River Parkway Foundation, to talk about what it really takes to protect 4,800 acres of open space that sit just minutes from our homes.We cover:The 15,000+ volunteer hours that keep the Parkway clean and accessibleWhat happens when 88,000 cubic feet per second of water roars through the riverWhy the Parkway is first and foremost a flood conveyance zoneHow Title I students are experiencing the river for the first timeThe Afghan families, cyclists, runners, artists, and seniors who all share this spaceTwo major community events: Summer Solstice and the American River Burger BattleWhy growing awareness beyond that 10% is critical for the Parkway’s futureWhat struck me most is Diana’s phrase:The Parkway isn’t just a “sense of place.” It’s a sense of space.It’s free.It’s accessible.And it unites Sacramento across cities, cultures, and generations.If you care about open space, equity in access to nature, volunteerism, or simply protecting what makes Sacramento special — this conversation is for you.🔗 Learn More & Get InvolvedVisit: https://arpf.orgChapter Time Stamps00:00 – Why the Parkway matters personally02:30 – 23 miles, 4,800 acres, and what most people don’t know04:00 – Trash removal, invasive plants, and volunteer power06:00 – Youth exposure & Title I students discovering nature10:30 – Large-scale community cleanups (800–2,000 volunteers)12:30 – How the organization is funded14:00 – Summer Solstice & Burger Battle fundraisers15:45 – The “blank check” vision for the Parkway18:30 – The greatest need: community advocacy22:00 – Flood seasons & 88,000 CFS26:00 – Managing nature and finding balance29:00 – Marketing the Parkway & video campaign33:00 – Engaging the next generationIf you haven’t been out on the Parkway recently — go.You can enter almost anywhere. And it belongs to all of us.Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...Veterans Resource & Hiring Fair – March 13 | Elk GroveIn this NewsPod, I’m joined by Tim Swaney, President of the Veteran Entrepreneur Tribe of Sacramento — VETS — to talk about an important event happening March 13 at District 56 in Elk Grove.VETS was created so no veteran has to figure out civilian life alone. Tim shares his own difficult transition out of the Navy and how that struggle led him to build a community where veterans can access mentorship, education, entrepreneurship support, and real opportunity.On March 13, they’re bringing it all together in one place.This Veterans Resource & Hiring Fair will feature:50+ resource providers40+ employers actively hiring veteransSupport in employment, entrepreneurship, healthcare, housing, legal services, education, and benefitsFree food and open networkingReal conversations — not just pamphletsThis event is about closing the gap. It’s about making sure veterans don’t get lost in transition. And it’s about creating a space where employers can truly connect with veteran talent.If you are a veteran, know a veteran, employ veterans, or support veteran families — this is for you.Event Details📍 District 56 – Elk Grove📅 March 13⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM🎟 Free to attend🔗 veteranentrepreneurtribe.orgAs always, thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing these stories that matter.Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...What happens once the flames are out?In this powerful episode, I sit down with Joe Pick, Executive Director of the Firefighters Burn Institute and a 30-year veteran of the fire service, to explore what recovery really looks like for burn survivors and their families.Born from tragedy following a devastating 1972 plane crash in Sacramento, the Firefighters Burn Institute was created to ensure our region would never again be without specialized burn care . What began as an effort to establish a local burn unit has grown into a comprehensive, lifelong support system for burn survivors — from emergency response to emotional recovery.Joe shares how the Institute now serves hundreds of individuals and families each year through:Little Firefighters Kids Camp (ages 6–17)Little Heroes Family Retreat (for children under six and their families)Mental health support and trauma-informed counselingSurvivor peer groups and virtual BurnNet gatheringsCommunity-building events that help reduce isolationPartnerships with burn centers and survivor organizations across the countryThis conversation goes beyond the medical side of burn injuries. We talk about grief, guilt, psychological safety, and the importance of sacred spaces where families can process trauma together. Joe speaks candidly about what it means to move from the fireground — where firefighters often hand patients off at the hospital — to walking alongside survivors for years in their healing journey.One of the most moving themes of this episode is simple but profound: no one heals alone. The Institute’s work ensures that survivors don’t just survive — they rebuild confidence, connection, and community.We also discuss one of their greatest current needs: expanded access to trauma-informed mental health care for burn survivors and caregivers — a critical but often underfunded piece of long-term recovery.If you’ve ever dropped a dollar in a firefighter’s boot during a Fill the Boot drive, this episode shows you exactly where that impact goes.To learn more or get involved, visit: ffburn.org🎙️ Episode Chapters00:00 – The 1972 Tragedy That Sparked a Movement03:00 – From Burn Unit to Lifelong Survivor Care07:00 – Little Firefighters Kids Camp & Little Heroes Retreat12:00 – National Partnerships & Survivor Support Networks16:00 – Why Mental Health Access Is the Greatest Need19:00 – Building Community Through Events & Outreach23:00 – How Survivors Discover the Institute27:00 – A Firefighter’s Perspective on Trauma & Healing30:00 – “Bad Things Happen. Good Things Can Too.”33:00 – How to Support the Firefighters Burn InstituteThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...What does it take to build something that lasts 30 years?In this episode, I sit down with Donald Kendrick, founder and artistic force behind the Sacramento Choral Society, to reflect on three decades of music, leadership, and cultural impact in our region.Founded in 1996, the Sacramento Choral Society has presented more than 180 performances, toured internationally, recorded professionally mastered albums, and — in a model almost unheard of nationally — built a chorus that owns and sustains its own professional symphony orchestra.Let that sink in.In most cities, orchestras run the chorus. In Sacramento, it’s the other way around.This conversation is about far more than music. It’s about passion. Volunteerism. Culture. Succession. And what it means to build something that belongs to a community.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🎶 How a volunteer chorus became a nationally recognized cultural force🎶 Why the Sacramento Choral Society owns its professional union orchestra🎶 International tours — from Carnegie Hall to China🎶 Raising over $3 million to sustain world-class performances🎶 The culture of love and passion that defines the organization🎶 What succession planning looks like after 30 years of visionary leadership🎶 What the next conductor must bring to carry the legacy forwardA Unique Model of ExcellenceUnder Donald Kendrick and Executive Director James McCormick, the organization has:Presented 180+ classical performancesPerformed in Carnegie Hall multiple timesToured Germany, France, Slovenia, China, Canada, and moreBuilt a $550,000 annual operating budgetCreated a growing endowment through the Sacramento Region Community FoundationEngaged hundreds of volunteers and nearly 900 alumniAnd perhaps most importantly — they’ve created a culture.A culture of music.A culture of healing.A culture driven not by obligation, but by love.Why This Moment MattersAs the organization approaches its 30th anniversary, it is also entering a thoughtful succession planning process.For the first time, the question is being asked:What happens when the founders step away?This episode is both a celebration and a call to awareness.The Sacramento Choral Society is a cultural gem — one that deserves long-term sustainability and visionary leadership for the next generation.Learn MoreVisit: https://sacramentochoral.orgChapter Summaries00:00 Welcome & 30-Year Milestone03:00 What Makes the Choral Society Unique07:45 Owning a Professional Symphony Orchestra13:30 International Tours & Carnegie Hall19:00 Community Collaborations24:00 Funding & Sustainability29:00 Succession Planning & The Future33:30 The Next Conductor’s Vision39:00 Passion, Purpose & Personal Renewal44:00 Protecting the LegacyThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this update episode, I welcome Debbie Gabelich back to the Nonprofit Podcast Network, the third time for the organization — and a lot has changed since our last conversation in early 2024.Kids First has always been known as a trusted place for families in crisis, but Debbie explains how the need has deepened: cases are more complex, trauma is more severe, and stability can hinge on something as small as a dead car battery or a missed paycheck.What makes Kids First different is simple — they don’t just hand out a list of resources. They walk with families, step by step, through housing insecurity, food insecurity, insurance enrollment, transportation barriers, parenting education, job readiness, and counseling support. We also talk about their frontline work supporting youth impacted by trafficking — and a bold vision for the future: a new crisis center model planned with a goal to open by 2028, serving youth up to age 25.We cover:Why Kids First is more than a “resource center” — and what “walk with families” really looks likeThe shift from mild/moderate cases to high trauma realitiesHow schools, hospitals, and community partners drive referrals (and why word-of-mouth still matters)Why families often stay engaged 4–7 months now (not 12 weeks)The “system” problem for ages 10–17 (and even up to 25): hospital or juvenile hall can become the defaultHow Medi-Cal/CalAIM and enhanced case management changed sustainabilityA vision for a crisis center + transitional housing that keeps young people out of the systemTo learn more about Kids First or for help:Website: www.kidsfirstnow.orgPhone: (916) 774-6802You can also find their monthly newsletter, programs, classes, and counseling information on the website.If you believe families shouldn’t have to face crisis alone — please share this episode, and consider supporting Kids First through donations, partnership, or volunteering. Prevention is hard to fund… and it’s exactly what changes outcomes.Chapter Summary00:00 – Welcome Back to Kids FirstKids First returns for their third appearance to share what’s changed since 2024 and why the work has become more urgent.04:45 – Walking With Families, Not Handing Out ListsHow Kids First supports families through housing, food, insurance, transportation, and stability — step by step.12:30 – Deeper Trauma, Youth Trafficking, and the Teen GapWhy cases are more complex, how Kids First works with trafficked youth, and where systems fail teens.22:10 – A Full-Circle Success StoryFrom Kids First client to Miss Placer County — a powerful example of long-term impact.30:15 – Funding Shifts and Sustaining the WorkThe move from contract-heavy funding to CalAIM, Medi-Cal billing, and diversified support.40:05 – A Bold Vision: Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...Family businesses sit at the heart of our economy — and at the heart of our families. In this episode, I’m joined by Maggie Bender and Justin Horner from the Capital Region Family Business Center for a thoughtful, honest conversation about what it really takes to sustain a family enterprise across generations.This episode is especially meaningful because it marks a leadership transition. After four years as president, Maggie Bender is stepping down, and Justin Horner is stepping into the role. Together, they share how intentional succession, transparency, and trust can strengthen not only an organization — but the families it serves.We talk about the realities family business owners face every day: navigating family dynamics, planning for succession, managing governance, preparing for the unexpected, and balancing long-term legacy with present-day decision-making. Business doesn’t stay at the office in a family enterprise — it follows you to the dinner table, holidays, and sometimes across decades.Maggie also shares her personal journey growing up inside a family business, the isolation many next-generation leaders feel, and how the Family Business Center became a place of connection, mentorship, and belonging. Justin offers insight into why engagement, education, and peer trust are the organization’s greatest strengths — and what’s ahead under new leadership.We also explore the impact of the Center’s signature Generations Conference, where multiple generations of the same family come together to learn, have hard conversations, and walk away with practical tools they can apply immediately.If you’re part of a family business, serve family-owned companies, or simply want to understand how legacy organizations endure and evolve, this conversation offers perspective, wisdom, and real-world insight.In This Episode, We Discuss:Why family businesses face unique leadership and governance challengesThe importance of planned, intentional leadership transitionsHow peer networks reduce isolation for family business leadersSuccession planning beyond titles — values, trust, and communicationWhat makes the Generations Conference such a powerful catalyst for changeWhy family businesses are a cornerstone of regional economic stabilityTo learn more about the Capital Region Family Business Center, visit:👉 capfamilybus.orgYou can listen to the Capital Region Family Business Center Podcast, "A Seat at the Table" by clicking on linked name or by searching the title on your favorite podcast app.Chapter Summaries00:00 – Family business dynamics and why they matter02:00 – What the Capital Region Family Business Center does06:30 – A thoughtful leadership transition: past to present11:30 – The real challenges of multi-generational businesses18:30 – The GenerationsThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...✈️ How Dreams Take Flight: 2026 Private Pilot ScholarshipsFor many young people, the dream of flight feels just out of reach — admired from the ground, but difficult to access. In this Nonprofit Newspod, I sat down with Tom Jones, President & CEO of the Aerospace Museum of California, to share a powerful, time-sensitive opportunity that can turn that dream into reality.The Aerospace Museum is now accepting applications for its 2026 Private Pilot License (PPL) Scholarships, awarding three $12,500 scholarships to highly motivated students ages 16–22 who are committed to pursuing a future in aviation. With the deadline just weeks away — February 14 (Valentine’s Day) — this is a moment students and families should not miss.What makes this program truly unique is that it’s far more than a financial award. The scholarship is built as a structured pilot pipeline, supported by a hands-on committee of experienced pilots, aviation professionals, and air traffic controllers who not only select recipients — they mentor them through the process. The goal is simple and ambitious: help students complete their private pilot training within one year, with many finishing in as little as nine months.Tom shared inspiring success stories, including a former scholarship recipient who progressed from earning her private pilot license to achieving her instrument rating and commercial pilot license — and now flies professionally. The program emphasizes motivation, discipline, and follow-through, with added consideration given to applicants already engaged in aviation through programs like Civil Air Patrol, EAA chapters, Sea Cadets, flight schools, or prior FAA testing.Scholarship recipients also commit to volunteering at the Aerospace Museum, often in the Flight Zone, where advanced simulators provide hands-on experience — including the ability to log flight time toward future certifications.One important takeaway: persistence matters. Students who apply multiple times and continue building their aviation experience are viewed favorably by the scholarship committee. Dedication, growth, and resilience count.Applications close February 14, and full details — including eligibility requirements and the application portal — can be found ataerospaceca.org/ppl-scholarship This is how dreams take flight — literally.Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this episode, I meet with Jessica Alonso, Executive Director of Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance, to share the full story behind an organization committed to one promise: no family should face childhood cancer alone.Jessica’s journey began more than a decade ago as a bilingual family navigator and has grown into a deeply personal mission shaped by faith, service, and lived experience. Together, we talk about how Keaton’s supports children and families from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and beyond — and why the demand for these services continues to grow.We'll cover:How Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance was founded in the wake of loss and loveThe Family Navigator program and why it’s the heart of the organizationSupporting more than 450 families a year across Northern CaliforniaThe growing capacity challenge as one child a day is diagnosedCommunity partnerships that help families emotionally, financially, and medicallyJessica’s own cancer journey and how it deepened her leadership and purposeWhat it would take to expand services so no family is ever turned awayLearn more or get involved:🌐 https://childcancer.org/📧 [email protected] Summaries00:00 – Welcome & Episode FocusI welcome Jessica Alonso, Executive Director of Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance, and introduce a conversation about supporting families through childhood cancer.02:00 – How Keaton’s BeganJessica shares the origin of Keaton’s, founded after the loss of four-year-old Keaton Raphael and a promise to help families navigate pediatric cancer.05:30 – Jessica’s JourneyFrom bilingual family navigator to executive director, Jessica reflects on 12 years shaped by service, faith, and advocacy.08:45 – The Family Navigator ProgramWe explain how trained navigators support families from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and loss.13:30 – Demand & CapacityOne child a day is diagnosed. Jessica discusses rising referrals and the urgent need to grow the navigator team.17:30 – Partnerships That MatterWe highlight hospital, nonprofit, and community partners that help meet families’ emotional and financial needs.21:30 – Funding the WorkJessica outlines Keaton’s primary fundraisers, including the gala, golf tournament, and Gold Hope Walk.25:45 – Research SupportWe discuss how Keaton’s contributes to pediatric cancer research through community-driven fundraising.29:00 – When the Leader Becomes the PatientJessica shares her own cancer journey and how it deepened her empathy and leadership.33:30 – Vision & How to HelpWe close with what growth could look like for Keaton’s and ways to get involved.Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dawnté Early, CEO of United Way California Capital Region. United Way is one of our region’s longest-serving nonprofits, with more than a century of impact — but what struck me most in this conversation is how intentionally the organization has evolved to meet today’s realities.We talk about what it really takes to “end poverty,” why education remains the strongest ladder out, and how United Way is stepping beyond traditional grantmaking to provide direct services that stabilize families, support children, and strengthen entire communities.This conversation spans early childhood literacy, housing stability, guaranteed income for former foster youth, free tax preparation, collaboration, policy change, and the growing pressure facing nonprofits as safety-net funding tightens. It’s thoughtful, data-driven, and deeply human.What We Cover in This ConversationHow United Way has evolved from a trusted community funder into a hands-on, direct-service organizationWhy education is central to breaking generational cycles of poverty — starting at birthDolly Parton’s Imagination Library and how monthly books are changing outcomes for familiesKindergarten readiness, literacy tutoring, and closing opportunity gaps after COVIDGuaranteed income for former foster youth — and why $500 a month can mean the difference between dropping out and graduatingFree tax preparation and how tens of millions of dollars are being returned to local families that might have otherwise gone unnoticedThe role of collaboration, collective impact, and shared infrastructure across nonprofitsWhy poverty is also a policy issue — and how United Way is working upstreamThe financial realities nonprofits face as government support pulls backLeadership, sustainability, and what it takes to grow impact without losing missionWhy This MattersUnited Way’s work touches every stage of life — from early literacy to college completion to financial stability for working families. This episode offers a clear look at how layered, connected solutions can create real, measurable outcomes, and why collaboration is no longer optional in today’s nonprofit landscape.If you care about education, housing, economic mobility, or the future of our nonprofit safety net, this is an important conversation.Learn MoreFind programs, volunteer opportunities, free tax prep locations, and upcoming events by visiting your local United Way website. Information on United Way Capital Region and their annual gala can be found in the links below.Website link: https://www.yourlocalunitedway.org/Tax preparation link: https://www.yourlocalunitedway.org/our-work/financial-security/free-tax-preparation/Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...Big Day of Giving returns on May 7, 2026, and once again the Sacramento region will come together around generosity, philanthropy, purpose, and community impact.In this NewsPod, I’m joined by Vasey Coman, Senior Director of Communications at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, to talk about what’s new for 2026 and why this day matters so deeply to our local nonprofit ecosystem.We discuss how Big Day of Giving has evolved far beyond a single day of fundraising into a year-round opportunity for nonprofits to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and collaborate across the region. We also explore the lowered minimum donation, how families and young people are being introduced to philanthropy, and why unrestricted dollars remain so critical for nonprofit sustainability.Whether you’re a nonprofit considering participation or a donor looking to make a meaningful impact, this conversation highlights how one day of collective generosity can fuel year-long change.To learn more or to register, visit bigdayofgiving.org.Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...Imagine a 13-year-old student—overweight for her age, already pre-diabetic—who has grown up surrounded by food but never truly learned how to use it. Vegetables feel unfamiliar. Cooking feels out of reach. Then she joins a food literacy program at school. She discovers there are fruits and vegetables she actually enjoys. She learns how to prepare them. Over time, her eating habits change, her health improves, and eventually, medication is no longer part of her daily life. Her family follows her lead—because food literacy doesn’t stop in the classroom.With food literacy, stories like this aren’t hypothetical. They’re happening.In this episode, I speak with Amber Stott, Founder and CEO—and proudly titled Chief Food Genius—of the Food Literacy Center. We talk about childhood obesity, food insecurity, and why teaching kids how to cook may be one of the most effective long-term health interventions we have.Why This MattersNearly 40% of children in the Sacramento region are considered obese, many while also experiencing food insecurityCheap, calorie-dense food and a lack of basic food education are driving diet-related diseases at younger and younger agesOnce unhealthy habits are formed, they’re hard to undo—but kids don’t have habits yet, we can make a difference with the right programsFood Literacy Center focuses on prevention, not correction—building healthy behaviors early, when they’re most likely to stick.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeWhy hunger and obesity often exist side by sideHow hands-on cooking changes kids’ attitudes toward foodWhy 94% of students in the program try new fruits and vegetablesHow behavior change happens at school—and carries homeWhat it takes to scale impact without losing qualityWhy adults consistently underestimate what kids are willing to tryBy the Numbers40% – Childhood obesity rate in the Sacramento region94% – Students who try new fruits or vegetables in the program75% – Students who ask for those foods at home23 schools – Current reach, with plans to double by 2027$160 per child – Cost of prevention versus far higher long-term health costsWho This Episode Is ForNonprofit leaders focused on prevention and early interventionEducators and school administratorsFunders interested in scalable, evidence-based programsAnyone concerned about childhood health, food access, and equityFind out more about the Food Literacy Center by visiting their website: FoodLiteracyCenter.orgEpisode Chapters00:00 Why Food Literacy Started05:20 Childhood Obesity & Food Insecurity10:45 Why Schools Change Habits17:30 Kids Try New Foods (94%)25:15 Getting Food Home to FamiliesThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this NewsPod I speak with Trent Simmons, Chief Program Officer of Sacramento Steps Forward to unpack the latest Point-in-Time (PIT) Count and what the data actually tells us about homelessness in Sacramento.The PIT Count is more than a snapshot—it’s a federally required tool that shapes funding decisions, policy direction, and how resources are deployed across our region. In this conversation, we talk about what has changed since the last count, where progress is being made, and where challenges persist.We also explore why the numbers matter beyond headlines—how they reflect real people, real systems, and the long-term work required to move individuals from crisis to stability. This NewsPod is about context, clarity, and accountability—understanding not just what the data says, but why it matters.If you care about housing stability, public investment, or the effectiveness of our local response to homelessness, this is an essential listen. It's also a call to action to volunteer for the count. The goal is 1000 volunteers to get the most accurate count possible as numbers matter. The details on registration are below.What You’ll Hear in This NewsPodWhat the PIT Count measures—and what it doesn’tKey takeaways from Sacramento’s latest dataHow PIT Count results influence funding and strategyWhy year-to-year comparisons require nuanceThe importance of viewing data through a human lens2026 Point in Time CountWhen:January 26 & 27, 2026.  5:00–11:00 p.m.Volunteers are highly encouraged to participate in both nights of the count if possible.Where:  Volunteers will meet at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center (6151 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95819) before going out to pre-determined routes across the County.How:  Volunteers are required to register by January 16, 2026.https://www.sacramentostepsforward.org/data-and-analytics/2026-sacramento-point-in-time-count/Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and this conversation lands right where awareness must lead: action, support, and long-term pathways to stability.In this episode, I speak with Emily Sanders, founder of Connect2Change—and a survivor herself—whose work is redefining what happens after someone escapes exploitation. Emily’s organization began with crisis support, but it has evolved into something rare and powerful: an empowerment-through-entrepreneurship model designed to help survivor-leaders build sustainable independence.Emily recently won Sacramento Venture Philanthropy’s Fast Pitch 2025—a major community vote of confidence in a young organization with an innovative approach. We talk about what that moment meant, why mentorship and ecosystem partnerships matter, and how entrepreneurship can interrupt cycles of dependency by rebuilding confidence, capability, and financial stability—one micro-enterprise at a time.This is a conversation about courage, reinvention, and what it really takes to build “what comes next.”In this episode, we cover:Why Human Trafficking Awareness Month must include survivor-led solutionsHow Connect2Change evolved from crisis intervention to entrepreneurshipThe difference between “services” and sustainable empowermentWhy strengths-based coaching and mindset work are central—not optionalThe 5-week cohort structure (AI training, assessments, business basics, money, ecosystem tours)The role of mentorship and community partnerships in long-term successWhat Emily would build if funding weren’t a limitation—and what she needs most right nowLearn more / Get involvedConnect2Change: https://www.connect2change.org/Contact Emily: [email protected] CHAPTER SUMMARIES00:00 – Human Trafficking Awareness Month & Why “After” MattersWhy awareness must extend beyond rescue—and why long-term pathways to independence matter for survivors.04:30 – Fast Pitch Victory & Community ValidationEmily reflects on winning SVP Fast Pitch, what it meant for a young organization, and how belief from others fuels momentum.11:45 – From Survivor to FounderEmily shares her personal story of survival and the moment she realized her own journey could become a roadmap for others.17:30 – Rethinking Support: From Crisis Care to EmpowermentHow Connect2Change evolved from emergency services into an entrepreneurship-based empowerment model.26:00 – Inside the Program: Building Confidence, Skills, and StabilityA practical look at the cohort structure—mindset work, strengths assessments, financial healing, business basics, mentorship, and ecosystem connection.41:30 – What Comes Next: Funding, Partnerships, and the Call to ActionEmily outlines what the organization needsThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this episode, I welcome back an organization that continues to shape the way our children—and our communities—understand disability, respect, and inclusion. A Touch of Understanding (ATOU) is celebrating 30 years of hands-on empathy-building, reaching more than 157,000 students across 10 counties with wheelchairs, white canes, prosthetics, lived experience, and powerful conversations that students remember for life.I sit down with Executive Director Meghan Adamski and longtime volunteer and speaker Karen Parsegian, whose personal journey and unforgettable humor bring the mission of ATOU to life. Together, we explore:What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThe origin story — how a five-year-old’s moment of clarity became a decades-long movement for understanding and respect.The speakers — volunteers with and without disabilities who help kids ask brave questions, break down assumptions, and discover what they have in common.The hands-on experience — wheelchairs, canes, prosthetic limbs, braille, learning-difference simulations, and the “dark meal” that helps students feel, not just hear, someone else’s experience.Impact across generations — students who experienced ATOU as children now bringing the program to their own classrooms.Community partnerships — from Boys Team Charity and National Charity League to speakers referred through Society for the Blind and Progressive Employment Concepts.What it takes to grow the movement — and how ATOU is preparing for the next 30 years of expansion both locally and nationwide.Karen’s stories alone remind you why this organization works: joyful curiosity, unexpected connection, and the brave honesty only children can deliver. And Meghan shares the vision of an ever-expanding “family” where people with disabilities are not just welcome—they are wanted as teachers, leaders, and role models.If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like when understanding becomes action, this conversation paints the picture.Learn More➡️ A Touch of Understanding: https://touchofunderstanding.org ➡️ Volunteer opportunities, virtual programs, and their upcoming 30th Anniversary “Evening of Insight” celebration.CHAPTER SUMMARY:(00:00) '30 Years of Nonprofit Service(11:00) Engaging Educational Program for Students(21:22) Impact of Touch of Understanding Program(27:46) Community Engagement and Funding Strategies(32:24) Impactful Program Enhancing Empathy and Inclusion(46:53) Building Strong ATOU Family BondsThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...What if one of the most effective ways to protect California’s quality of life—for generations to come—starts with something as simple as native plants?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jun Bando, Executive Director of the California Native Plant Society to explore why native plants may be one of the most practical—and overlooked—investments in California’s future.CNPS operates at the intersection of science, community engagement, and advocacy. Their work touches climate resilience, biodiversity, water systems, and education—often quietly, always with a long view in mind.We talk about why conservation requires patience, how local action connects to statewide impact, and what it means to steward something today that may not fully show its return for decades.This conversation is for anyone curious about thoughtful and responsible philanthropy, and the power of caring for what endures.To learn more about the California Native Plant Society, you can visit their website https://www.cnps.org/⏱️ Chapter Timestamps00:00 – Why Ask the Plant Question Now?Why native plants have become a quality-of-life issue—not just an environmental one.03:10 – What CNPS Really Does (Beyond the Name)The scope of CNPS work across science, education, policy, and grassroots action.07:05 – Native Plants as InfrastructureHow ecosystems quietly support water, climate resilience, and community health.11:40 – The Long Game of ConservationWhy this work resists shortcuts—and why that matters for lasting impact.16:20 – Community, Volunteers, and Local ActionHow everyday Californians connect to conservation through CNPS.20:45 – Climate Reality Without AlarmismAddressing environmental urgency while staying grounded in data and hope.25:30 – Stewardship, Philanthropy, and LegacyWhy donors play a critical role in protecting what won’t trend—but will last.29:10 – Looking Ahead: What Gives CNPS HopeThe future of native plant conservation and why optimism still belongs here.Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...As the year comes to a close, I’m pressing pause on our regular programming to reflect — and to say thank you.In this brief holiday message, I share what this past year has revealed about the power of storytelling, the strength of our nonprofit community, and the quiet, human work that truly builds impact. The stories we’ve had the privilege to hear — and help be heard — remind me that community isn’t built by headlines, hashtags, or algorithms. It’s built by people. By commitment. By heart.I also extend deep gratitude to our founding and sustaining partners — CAPTRUST, Western Health Advantage, CxORE Fractional Leadership, and our newest partner heading into 2026, Five Star Bank — whose support allows hundreds of nonprofits each year to share their mission with clarity and dignity.You’ll also hear a little holiday fun —  because even meaningful work should leave room for play.From all of us at the Nonprofit Podcast Network, thank you for listening, supporting, sharing, and believing in the power of community storytelling.Wishing you peace, warmth, rest, and renewed purpose this holiday season — and a hopeful year ahead.Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...This episode, I sit down with Cherian Koshy, author of Neurogiving: The Science of Donor Decision-Making — a book that achieved something almost unheard of in the nonprofit sector by landing on the USA Today Bestseller List just one day after release.But this conversation isn’t about accolades. It’s about understanding what’s really happening in a donor’s brain — and why so many “best practices” in fundraising work sometimes… and fail other times.Cherian draws on nearly three decades of fundraising experience and more than 220 peer-reviewed research studies to explain how generosity actually works at a neurological level. We explore why storytelling creates real biological responses, how trust is formed and sustained over time, and why attention — not money — may be the most valuable currency nonprofits are competing for today.We also tackle some of the hardest realities nonprofit leaders are facing right now: crisis fundraising, donor fatigue, digital overload, and the ethical responsibility fundraisers carry when applying behavioral science. Throughout the conversation, Cherian is clear — this isn’t about manipulating donors. It’s about becoming more human-centered, more intentional, and more effective in how we invite people into generosity.If you lead a nonprofit, sit on a board, work in development or marketing, or care deeply about the future of giving, this episode will challenge how you think about fundraising — and equip you with language, insight, and research to do it better. For me, the book is fast becoming a tutorial in contemporary ways to address fundraising and donors with great intentionality and understanding. You can find the book on Amazon with this link: Neurogiving.Episode Chapters00:00 – Welcome & a rare nonprofit milestoneWhy Neurogiving hitting the USA Today Bestseller List matters for the sector.06:00 – What “Neuro Giving” really meansWhy this book isn’t about manipulation — and what it actually reveals about donor behavior.14:00 – Storytelling, brains, and emotional connectionWhat neuroscience shows us about why stories move people more than data.26:00 – Trust, identity, and long-term givingHow generosity becomes part of who a donor is, not just something they do.38:00 – Crisis fundraising and donor overloadWhy constant urgency backfires — and how to pair urgency with hope.50:00 – Digital giving, ethics, and the future of fundraisingAttention, technology, AI, and why humans still matter most.Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...What does it really take to move a region forward—without picking a side, without chasing headlines, and without sacrificing equity or the environment for “growth”?I had the privilege of sitting down with Evan Schmidt, CEO of Valley Vision, to unpack the organization’s unique role in the Sacramento region: a values-driven convener that brings people together, turns research into action, and helps align partners around the issues that shape quality of life.Evan walks me through Valley Vision’s origin story (born out of the region’s response to base closures), their triple bottom line framework—environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic prosperity—and why collaboration is both essential…and often unglamorous. We also talk about how they measure impact across long time horizons, their Livability Summit and Livability Poll, and what the data is telling us right now about the biggest pressures facing our communities.What we coverWhy Valley Vision exists—and how it’s different from other regional civic organizationsThe “triple bottom line” lens and what it means in real-world decision-makingCollaboration as a discipline: networks, coalitions, alignment, and shared accountabilityThe tension between urgency and trust-building in regional problem solvingLivability Poll takeaways: what residents say are the biggest issues right nowFunding, capacity, and what it would take to scale collective impactChapters & Time Stamps00:00 – Welcome + “alphabet soup” of regional orgs 01:00 – Valley Vision’s origin story and purpose: leadership roundtable + regional stewardship 03:10 – Triple bottom line values: sustainability, equity, and prosperity—without tradeoffs 04:05 – Facilitator and values-driven: why Valley Vision isn’t a neutral “yes to everything” org 07:20 – Where projects come from: contract work, mission alignment, and long-running initiatives 08:45 – What collaboration really looks like (and why it’s not flashy)12:20 – Impact example: Cleaner Air Partnership and long-term systems change 16:20 – Livability Summit: building a regional collaboration conference + shared data 17:40 – Livability Poll: top issues residents name (housing, wages, healthcare access) 19:35 – Housing questions that split the region 50/50—and what that tells us 22:05 – Funding model: grants, contracts, and the challenge of funding “systems-level” work 24:40 – The coming nonprofit shakeout: why deeper collaboration will matter even more 25:10 – Scale + pass-through dollars: bringing investment in and distributing it for regional impact 31:30 – The biggest need: capacity and investment to stay proactive (not only contract-driven) 34:00 – Evan unplugged:Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this episode, I bring together four community foundation leaders from across our region for a candid, timely conversation about what nonprofits are facing right now — and what’s coming next.As needs rise and resources feel tighter, community foundations are sitting at a critical intersection: listening to nonprofits, working with donors, and helping communities adapt in real time. We talk openly about uncertainty, sustainability, collaboration, and why this moment requires new ways of thinking — not just more funding.This conversation isn’t about one county or one solution. It’s about shared challenges, similarities, unique differences and emerging opportunities, and how philanthropy is evolving to meet the realities nonprofit leaders are navigating every day.Joining me are Kerry Wood, CEO of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation,  Veronica Blake, CEO of the Placer Community Foundation, Amy Pooley, Executive Director of the ElDorado Community Foundation and Jessica Hubbard, Executive Director of the Yolo Community Foundation — four leaders offering perspective, honesty, and insight into how communities can move forward together.Whether you lead a nonprofit, serve on a board, advise donors, have a fund at your community foundation or simply care about the health of your community, this episode offers both clarity and encouragement at a time when both are needed.⏱️ Chapter Timestamps00:00 — Why This Conversation Matters Right Now Setting the stage: rising needs, limited resources, and why bringing community foundation leaders together matters.02:10 — What Foundations Are Seeing Across Their Communities A high-level look at the pressures nonprofits and families are facing.06:45 — Who Is Being Impacted Most Discussion on how different populations are experiencing today’s challenges — the impact isn’t one-size-fits-all.10:40 — How Philanthropy Is Responding in Real Time How grantmaking, donor priorities, and emergency responses are shifting to meet immediate needs.15:30 — Short-Term Relief vs. Long-Term Solutions Balancing crisis response with sustainability, systems change, and prevention.20:10 — Collaboration, Shared Services, and New Models Why nonprofits are exploring deeper collaboration — and what’s making it both necessary and difficult.25:30 — Creating Space for Nonprofits to Connect and Exhale The often-overlooked value of convening, peer support, and shared learning.30:20 — Ensuring Smaller Nonprofits Have Access and Voice How community foundations work to support organizations of all sizes and stages.35:15 — What Nonprofit Leaders Should Be Watching for in 2026 Emerging trends, uncertainty, and what leaders should be paying attention to now.41:10 — Looking Ahead: What Foundations Are Doing Differently Trust-based philanthropy, donor engagement, and preparing for the future.47:30 — Closing Reflections and Why Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...If a child in our community had nowhere safe to go tonight, where would they sleep?I'm speaking with Glynis Butler-Stone, CEO of the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento, and Amber Robbins, a nonprofit leader whose own childhood was spent navigating violence, foster care, and multiple stays at the Receiving Home. Together, we explore an 80-year legacy that has quietly supported tens of thousands of kids in their darkest moments—and the funding crisis that now threatens that work.Glynis shares how the Children’s Receiving Home evolved from a World War II–era shelter into a six-acre campus offering crisis shelter, residential mental health treatment, a trauma-informed preschool and suicide prevention outreach. Amber brings the lived experience—what it felt like to be ripped from her mother’s arms, to land at the Receiving Home in the middle of the night, and to finally feel safe enough to sleep.We also talk honestly about the policy changes that now limit them to serving just 16 children at a time, leaving 70+ beds empty while kids in our region sleep in cars, police stations, and out-of-county placements. And we dig into the bold vision to reinvent the campus as a housing and healing hub for transition-age youth and families in crisis—if the community can help bridge the funding gap.If you care about foster youth, childhood trauma, or what real safety and dignity can look like for kids, this conversation will stay with you.We'll cover:How the Children’s Receiving Home grew from a wartime shelter in 1944 into a mental health and healing campus serving an estimated 80,000 children over 80 yearsThe reality of abuse, violence, and protective custody from a child’s point of view—and why Amber says the Receiving Home was the first place she truly felt safeThe current continuum of care: emergency shelter, residential treatment, the Sprouts trauma-informed preschool, and suicide prevention and housing support for foster and former foster youthThe impact of federal and state legislation that capped capacity at 16 youth, leaving dozens of beds empty while need is risingA collaborative effort with nine local nonprofits to map gaps in services and reimagine the campus for transition-age youth (18–24), survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and other crisesThe dream of a “Life Academy” where young adults can learn the basics of living on their own—financial literacy, cooking, cleaning, job readiness, and moreWhy private philanthropy, corporate partners, and individual donors are essential to raising $1.5 million in bridge funding to carry this vision into 2026Learn more & get involved. Visit the website https://crhkids.org/Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...What if a hospital could transform a child's life in ways you never imagined? Join me on a heartfelt exploration of Shriners Children's Hospital in Sacramento as I uncover the inspiring stories of resilience and hope. I sit down with the Senior Director of Philanthropy, Alan Anderson, who passionately shares how donations fuel life-changing healthcare and research that turns children's struggles into triumphs. Lindsey Wilder joins us to recount her daughter Taelley's remarkable journey from overcoming the challenges of a stroke and hydrocephalus to becoming a bright star of possibility, thanks to the dedicated support of Shriners' staff and therapies.Discover the unique collaborations that make this children's hospital a hub of innovation and comprehensive care. Nestled near UC Davis, Shriners benefits from the expertise of medical school faculty and partnerships with organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities. These alliances provide crucial resources such as long-term housing and education for families. We look into the hospital's innovative funding model, which blends insurance revenue, community philanthropy, and historical endowment funds, emphasizing the importance of community support in meeting the rising demand for pediatric services.As we celebrate Shriners' commitment to empowering young patients, hear about their efforts to expand healthcare access across the nation, alleviating burdens for pediatric specialties. Their multifaceted approach includes supporting children with special needs as they transition to adulthood, fostering self-advocacy and resource awareness. Feel the warmth and kindness as stories of siblings receiving gifts during hospital visits highlight the compassionate environment Shriners creates. With each personal story, witness the profound difference unrestricted donations make, ensuring every child receives the care, love, and opportunities they deserve.Learn more about Shriners Children's Hospital on their website: https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/northern-californiaChapter Summaries:(00:00) Shriners Children's Hospital Sacramento Journey(10:06) Pediatric Hospital Collaboration and Funding(19:57) Expanding Pediatric Healthcare Access(26:35) Shriners Hospital Funding and Impact(39:16) Empowering Children With Special Needs(48:35) Empowering Children Through Hospital SupportThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...This News Pod, I had the privilege of sitting down with James McCormick, CEO of the Sacramento Choral Society, to share a truly special announcement. Each year, the Choral Society presents its beloved Home for the Holidays concert — but this December marks an extraordinary milestone: the 30th anniversary of this Sacramento tradition!James walks us through the history, the heart, and the magic behind this performance. From the 185 musicians on stage… to the breathtaking opening in total darkness… to the candlelit procession… to the audience sing-along that fills Memorial Auditorium with pure joy — this event is Sacramento at its most connected.We also talk about:The 100th birthday of Memorial Auditorium and the generations of memories held within its wallsThe two remarkable leaders — James and conductor Don Kendrick — who have guided this tradition for all 30 yearsThe new orchestral arrangements, guest soloist, decorations, lobby crafts, and even a visit from someone in a red suit (???)The changing audience and why young families are rediscovering this downtown holiday traditionA powerful piece on Christmas memories through the eyes of a child, narrated liveIf you’ve never experienced Home for the Holidays, this is the year. And if it’s part of your family tradition — get ready. This one feels special.Event Details: 📅 Saturday, December 13 ⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM 📍 Memorial Auditorium 🎟️ Tickets at SacramentoChoral.org or via Ticketmaster 📞 Save fees by calling the box office: 916-808-5181 (Tues–Fri, 10 AM–4 PM)Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this episode of the Nonprofit Podcast Network, I sit down with Bryan Wagner, President/CEO of Goodwill Industries serving the Greater Sacramento region, and Gabriel Noriega, workforce development coordinator and former Goodwill program participant.Most people know Goodwill for its familiar stores and donation drop-offs—but in our region, Goodwill is a $100 million nonprofit powering one of the largest workforce development missions in Northern California. With 34 stores, 17 donation centers, 4 outlets, 1,700 employees, and more than 5,000 people served annually, this conversation reveals the real engine behind the brand: transforming lives through the power of work.In This EpisodeThe 88-year history of Goodwill in Sacramento and the scale of its retail and logistics operationHow donated goods fund 99% of Goodwill’s mission servicesThe “life cycle” of a donation—from collection to retail to outlet to recyclingThe four core pillars of their mission: • Vocational services • Advocacy and referrals • Work experience and on-the-job training • Digital and financial literacyGabriel’s journey from visually impaired job seeker to job coach helping others build confidence and careersHow Goodwill partners with organizations like the Department of Rehabilitation and SETAThe turnaround strategy that brought Goodwill back to its core purpose: selling donated goods to fuel workforce impactWhat unlimited resources could unlock—Goodwill’s vision for a Workforce Development Innovation HubWhy donations, partnerships, and community engagement remain the lifeblood of the missionKey TakeawayGoodwill is far more than a thrift store—it’s a workforce engine. Every donation and every purchase directly supports job seekers breaking barriers and Building Futures.To learn more about Goodwill Industries, Sacramento, visit: https://goodwillsacto.org/Chapter Timestamps:(00:00) Goodwill Mission and Impact(10:43) Community Partnerships and Sustainability(18:05) Funding Strategies and Future Vision(30:19) Nonprofit Operations and Personal Relaxation(36:00) Mission Impact and Community SupportThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this special NewsPod episode, we spotlight the 10th Annual Fast Pitch, Sacramento Venture Philanthropy’s flagship capacity-building program that helps nonprofits sharpen their storytelling and amplify impact. CEO Brad Squires and COO Drew Hayes join me to break down what made this milestone year record-setting — from a sold-out venue at The Sofia to a groundbreaking new technology platform that transformed live giving.Hear how SVP selected 16 standout nonprofits from 70 applicants, supported them through four months of pitch development, and showcased the top 10 in front of a packed house of donors, supporters, and community leaders. With real-time donation leaderboards, a new mobile giving app, and a powerful community match, the event generated over $260,000 — more than double last year.But the impact doesn’t stop at event night. Brad and Drew share how Fast Pitch equips nonprofits with long-term storytelling tools that help them secure future funding, strengthen board recruitment, and elevate community engagement.SVP’s work is made possible through their donor-partners and sponsors as well as mentorship from leaders across the region. Full sponsor list available on the SVP website.You can find it all at https://www.svpsacramento.org/Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...What happens when a small church ministry evolves into a vital community resource amidst a global pandemic? Join me as I uncover the unimaginable journey of the Rancho Cordova Community Food Hub, led by its first Executive Director, Carrie Johnson. You'll learn how Carrie tackled the daunting challenge of professionalizing a grassroots organization, enhancing its financial health, expanding leadership, and upgrading facilities. Her swift and strategic actions helped navigate a skyrocketing demand, with the Food Hub stepping up to support nearly 600 families a day, especially veterans and seniors facing the end of pandemic benefits and soaring costs.Experience the innovation of a no-cost grocery store that champions dignity and choice, all while challenging outdated food distribution systems. Carrie shares the ambitious vision of a grocery store that values cultural and dietary preferences, aiming to reshape the way communities address food insecurity. Through stories of community collaboration and resilience, discover how supportive social services become a cornerstone in fostering dignity and hope for those most in need, all while transforming lives and strengthening the community fabric.Explore the cutting-edge strategies employed by Carrie and her team to ensure the sustainability of the Rancho Cordova Community Food Hub. By merging solar energy initiatives, rentable spaces, and partnerships with many collaborative parties, the Food Hub is setting new standards in nonprofit revenue generation. As former guests become integral volunteers and staff, we witness a powerful cycle of empowerment and inclusion. The episode also shines a light on a broader network of food banks committed to battling food insecurity, reinforcing the notion that community support, hope, and compassion can drive a statewide and even national movement. For more information about the Rancho Cordova Community Food Hub visit the website: https://www.ranchocordovafoodlocker.org/Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranchocordovafoodlocker/                            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranchocordovafoodlocker/LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89492550/admin/dashboard/Articles:https://www.biziournals.com/sacramento/news/2025/07/21/rancho-cordova-communitv-food-hub-building.htmlhttps://sacramento.newsreview.com/2025/02/04/rancho-cordova-food-lockers-new-community-hub-is-reaching-for-higher-ambitions-around-dignity-while-providing-for-those-in-need/Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...What if you could transform your community by making affordable housing both sustainable and equitable? Join me as I embark on a thought-provoking journey with Craig Adelman, CEO Mutual Housing California. With over 30 years of experience, Craig offers a deep dive into the organization's innovative approach rooted in the mutual housing movement of the 50s and 60s. Discover how they structure developments to ensure long-term affordability and sustainability, navigating the intricate balance between community needs and financial realities. Craig shares invaluable insights into the diverse housing needs, from multifamily rentals to senior housing, demonstrating that low-income individuals are not a monolithic group.Uncover the experience of resident agency and community development in the realm of affordable housing. Craig passionately highlights how Mutual Housing fosters resident leadership, enabling individuals to transition from stable rentals to homeownership. This empowering approach not only creates stable living conditions but also builds vibrant communities offering mentorship and resources critical for personal and professional success. The conversation looks into the growing issue of senior homelessness and the importance of developing inclusive strategies to address such challenges.Explore the vital role of community partnerships and funding sustainability in bringing these housing projects to life. We discuss the intricate web of collaborations with local entities and organizations, which are crucial for stabilizing living situations for vulnerable populations. Craig sheds light on addressing gentrification while ensuring equitable investment in low-income areas, drawing inspiration from global housing solutions. The episode concludes with a look at the exciting developments like Monarch, underscoring the ongoing need to expand housing efforts to meet the high demand.You can learn more at the website, https://www.mutualhousing.com/ Instagram: @mutualhousingcaTwitter/X: @mutual_mattersFacebook: Mutual Housing CaliforniaLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/mutual-housing-california/YouTube: @mutualhousingcalifornia1314Chapter Summaries(00:00) Affordable Housing Development and InnovationMutual Housing California's unique approach to equitable housing, balancing community needs with financial realities, and long-term affordability and sustainability.(11:54) Resident Agency and Community DevelopmentAffordable housing is diverse, with needs ranging from supportive housing to senior housing. Mutual Housing's approach includes resident leadership and community building.(25:06) Community Partnerships and Funding SustainabilityPartnerships, collaborations, and funding mechanisms are crucial for successful community development projects that address gentrification and support low-income communities.(39:46) Addressing Affordable Housing InefficiencieThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...When a board member's family faced the uncertainty of a loved one’s hospital stay, they realized the true value of proximity and support. This episode, I'm joined by Stacey Hodge, Sr. Director of Community Relations and former board member Jerry Alestra, to explore the invaluable role the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Sacramento plays in similar scenarios. Stacey takes us on a journey through her evolution from a dedicated volunteer to a key figure in the organization, revealing the profound impact of community support on families in need. Meanwhile, Jerry shares a heartfelt story from a personal angle, recounting how the charity supported his family when his granddaughter was hospitalized. We take a closer look at the array of support services that make the Ronald McDonald House a sanctuary for families in crisis. From private rooms and communal spaces to meals and activities, the house fosters a nurturing environment that allows families to stay close to their children during medical treatments. The importance of partnerships with civic organizations and community volunteers is underscored, highlighting how these collaborations provide memorable experiences that offer relief to families during trying times. The conversation also delves into the charity’s strategic efforts, such as the McDonald's Roundup program, which ensures that these services remain accessible without any financial burden on the families.As we navigate some of the challenges faced by the Ronald McDonald House, such as the need for expansion and the continuance of essential services, we celebrate the commitment and passion of those who support its mission. This episode highlights the charity's ongoing efforts to extend its reach, with plans for additional rooms to accommodate the increasing demand. With 97% of every dollar directly supporting families, the Ronald McDonald House stands for hope, demonstrating how community spirit truly can transform lives. Learn how you can be part of this enduring legacy of compassion and support.To learn more about the organization, you can visit the website: https://rmhcnc.org/.  Follow Ronald McDonald House Charities on your favorite social links below. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rmhcnc/                                                 Twitter: https://x.com/rmhcnc                                                                             Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RMHCNC Chapter Timestamps(00:00) Understanding Ronald McDonald House Charities(06:59) Support Services at Ronald McDonald House(11:56) Community Engagement at Ronald McDonald House(19:38) Ronald McDonald House Impact and Needs(30:07) Supporting Families in Health Crisis(38:44) Providing Hope and Support for FamiliesThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...What happens when a historic theater undergoes a dramatic transformation...through a pandemic and over multiple years? Find out as we chat with Sid Garcia-Heberger, Performing Arts Center and Memorial Auditorium Manager, Megan Van Voorhis, Director of the City's Convention and Cultural Services and Allison Yee-Garcia, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for SAFE Credit Union, as they share the behind-the-scenes journey of revamping the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center. Originally the Sacramento Community Center Theater, this iconic venue has been reimagined with cutting-edge upgrades like the Constellation electro-acoustical shell and a modern fly rail system. These enhancements not only elevate the audience and performer experience but also solidify the center's role as a cultural icon in downtown Sacramento.With a sidelight on the Memorial Auditorium, we reveal the critical backstage operations that keep the arts alive and thriving. From laundry facilities essential for quick costume changes to hosting diverse events from comedy shows to  Broadway plays, the theaters showcase their versatility and commitment to community enrichment. The partnership with SAFE Credit Union is a testament to the community's support and dedication to maintaining a vibrant arts culture in the city.Looking to the future, we imagine the limitless possibilities for the Performing Arts Center and its surrounding district. From the potential transformation of underutilized spaces to the seamless integration of the Safe Credit Union Convention and Performing Arts District, we explore how strategic collaborations and funding are key to nurturing the next generation of arts professionals. By enhancing community engagement and reflecting the diverse population it serves, this district stands as a dynamic hub for cultural and creative activities, offering something for everyone.To learn more about the SAFE CU Performing Arts Theater or the Performing Arts District visit the website: www.theSAFEdistrict.comChapter Summaries(00:00) Revitalization of Performing Arts VenueRevitalization of Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center with upgrades like Constellation, fly rail system, and expanded truck dock.(06:01) Memorial Auditorium's Historic Renovation and UsageLaundry facility's essential role in performing arts center, community support, diverse events, and versatility showcased through partnerships.(18:25) Community Use and Financial SupportThe Performing Arts Center serves as a community hub, hosting diverse events and collaborating with local arts groups through strategic funding and sponsorships.(28:59) Fostering Community Partnerships for ArtsTransforming spaces, activating the district, developing future professionals, and partnering with Safe Credit Union to enhance public engagement with the arts.(43:18) District Integration for Arts EventsThe Safe Credit Union Convention and Performing Arts District seamlessly integrates venues, resouThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...What if you could follow a serendipitous path leading to your dream job in a completely different state? Join me as I sit down with Jeremy Ganter, Executive Director of the Mondavi Center, who shares his extraordinary journey from upstate New York to becoming a cornerstone of Northern California's vibrant arts scene. With 25 years of deep-rooted experiences at the Mondavi Center, Jeremy shares insights into the center's evolution from a mere vision to an iconic cultural landmark. His story is a testament to the power of passion and dedication in the arts.The Mondavi Center, nestled within what is now known as the Gateway District of the UC Davis campus, is more than just bricks and mortar; it's a bustling cultural hub. My conversation with Jeremy uncovers how this transformed space draws diverse audiences, reflecting the university's commitment as a Hispanic-serving institution and providing a versatile venue for performances, events, and education. We explore the center's unique features, like Jackson Hall's incredibly technical and professional setup, for both acoustics and visuals, and how these spaces enhance learning and engagement for students and visitors alike.Despite facing challenges such as changing audience behaviors and scheduling conflicts, the Mondavi Center remains resilient. Jeremy shares the center's innovative programming and aspirations, from dreaming of collaborating with local culinary talents to enhancing visitor experiences with food, wine, and art. As we celebrate 25 years of its impact, this episode paints a vivid picture of the unforgettable legacy and bright future of the Mondavi Center. Now... GO SEE A SHOW!Learn More:🎟️ Visit: www.mondaviarts.org 📱 Follow: @mondavicenterLinkedIN: Mondavi-CenterArticle: www.sactownmag.com/qa-jeremyganter-mondavi-executive-director/Chapter Summaries(00:00) The Mondavi Center's Unique StoryJeremy Ganter's journey with the Mondavi Center, its architectural and acoustic innovations, and his passion as executive director.(11:59) Mondavi Center Community InteractionThe Mondavi Center is a vibrant hub in the UC Davis campus, attracting diverse audiences and offering year-round activities and unique learning environments.(19:08) Funding and Community Engagement at MondaviSchool matinee program, ticket sales, fundraising, university support, student employees, misconceptions, audience purchasing behavior, adapting to changes.(25:20) Challenges and Dreams for Mondavi CenterChallenges and aspirations in performing arts, limited artist availability, potential for collaboration with local culinary talents, and importance of state-of-the-art facilities.(35:13) Enhancing the Mondavi Center ExperienceMondavi Center offers diverse, dynamic programming with a focus on live performances and a welcoming, holistic experience for all.(38:27) Memories of Mondavi Center's Impact25-year history and iconic architecture of Mondavi Center, its enduring influence and cultural significThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.