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Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Fund the People
The only show that helps YOU invest in the nonprofit workforce! Here you’ll get the ideas, tools, data, and stories you need in order raise or give money to support and develop nonprofit workers and leaders in your organization or your community. This unique podcast invites you into casual, provocative conversations with diverse leaders from foundations, nonprofits, academia, and capacity-building groups. We give you the big picture view, and we dig into specific issues, such as executive transitions, burnout, HR, fundraising for staff, how public policy impacts nonprofit workers, and more. Fund the People is the national organization that works to maximize investments in America's nonprofit workforce. It was founded in 2014 by Rusty Stahl with support from The Kresge Foundation, NYU Wagner, and Tides. We’ve launched the podcast in 2020, and have published over 100 episodes across 8 seasons.
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- 1 weeks ago30 min
Narrative Resilience for the Nonprofit Sector - with Vanessa Wakeman, The Wakeman Agency
As nonprofits navigate the aggressively hostile political and policy environment of the current federal administration, communications strategist Vanessa Wakeman argues that organizations need more than legal and financial preparedness. In this special summer bonus episode, you’ll learn about “narrative resilience,” - a term and concept developed by Wakeman. Learn how nonprofits – and their funders – can strengthen public trust; counter harmful storylines; and build lasting communications infrastructure that helps defend both the nonprofit sector and democracy itself.View and download a .pdf transcript of this episode – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_GMmCxBhbrIWcOQ5y5e1YzIk-ARBIe8W/view?usp=sharing Guest Bio:An accomplished leader with deep knowledge about the politics of social change and mastery at advancing the efforts of values-driven organizations, Vanessa is a trusted advisor to organizations around the globe. She has been successfully leading initiatives to support communications for nonprofits, socially responsible companies and other stakeholder groups since she founded The Wakeman Agency in 2003.Vanessa helps clients to build and restore trust with internal and external audiences, to develop ongoing communications that strengthen organizational positioning and amongst key audiences. Vanessa has increasingly been called upon by a host of organizations to help them reimagine their values, culture and operations through the lens of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Her approach to communications uses behavioral science practices to shift perceptions and behaviors.LinksResources:The Wakeman Agency – Strategic communications firm serving nonprofits, foundations, and mission-driven organizations. https://www.thewakemanagency.com/Narrative Resilience Program – Consulting and assessment program for nonprofits, available for individual organizations or cohorts, including foundation-sponsored cohorts. https://www.thewakemanagency.com/expertise/narrative-resilience-program/The Wakeman Agency Insights – Articles and thought leadership explaining Narrative Resilience and communications strategy. https://www.thewakemanagency.com/insights/Social Change Diaries podcast - https://www.thewakemanagency.com/the-social-change-diaries/Social Change Diaries episode with Rusty Stahl – “Rusty Stahl’s Radical Vision for a Transformed Nonprofit World” from November 2018 – https://www.thewakemanagency.com/insights/rusty-stahls-radical-vision-for-a-transformed-nonprofit-workforce-development/Contact Guest:Vanessa Wakeman on linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessawakeman Wakeman Agency on linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wakeman-agencyRelevant Episodes:S9 Bonus – Sarah Saadian (National Council of Nonprofits) – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-nonprofits-fight-back-against-todays-biggest-federal/id1531813289?i=1000775935067S9:E13 – The Value of the Nonprofit Workforce (Part 2) – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/economy-the-unique-value-of-the-u-s-nonprofit-workforce-2-of-3/id1531813289?i=1000761500707S9:E18 – Vu Le (Nonprofit AF) – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anger-hope-funding-and-the-future-of-nonprofits/id1531813289?i=1000768714659
- 3 weeks ago41 min
How Nonprofits Fight Back Against Today's Biggest Federal Threats - with Sarah Saadian, National Council of Nonprofits
Sarah Saadian of the National Council of Nonprofits explains how the Trump Administration policies are reshaping the nonprofit sector through a three-pronged effort to cut-off funding, silence organizations, and erode trust in nonprofits—and why these threats affect every nonprofit, regardless of mission. She shares practical ways nonprofit leaders can take action together to defend civil society, strengthen nonprofit advocacy, and protect the communities they serve.Promo Video for this Episode: https://youtu.be/LmjA_DsErPQDownload a .pdf of the transcript of the episode:Transcript of Audio Version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y0sOKOxON29a-IRA6T3xGBGUqiUep1zj/view?usp=sharingTranscript of Video Version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F3WG1qNKqerTrDwu8hyNa1xzfMx9klrq/view?usp=sharing Guest Bio:Sarah Saadian is Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Campaigns with the National Council of Nonprofits. She has more than fifteen years of experience with national advocacy campaigns and has successfully advanced federal policies on Capitol Hill. Prior to joining NCN, Sarah served at the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Enterprise Community Partners and Rapoza Associates. She graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law after receiving her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, and she is a member of the Virginia State Bar. Essential Links:Rusty’s Call to Action YouTube Video: Just Say NO to a Fake Nonprofit Pledge of Allegiance to President Trump - https://youtu.be/3Sz8zs35bMw?si=CKLrz2MquMvnI8n1NCN Resource and Action Page on Proposed Regulations: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/articles/take-action-july-13-oppose-sweeping-changes-federal-grantmakingNCN’s Chart of Proposed Regulations: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/files/media/documents/2026/2026-chart-omb-uniform-proposed-changes.pdfNCN’s Guide for Submitting Your Public Comments: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/files/media/documents/2026/2026-proposed-omb-uniform-guidance-comment-guide.pdfAdd Your Organization to the National Letter: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/form/national-letter-to-protect-and-sEmail Your Member of Congress: https://ujoin.co/campaigns/4287/actions/public?action_id=6970NCN website: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/NCN’s Nonprofit Champion Newsletter - free biweekly updates on local, state, and federal policy and advocacy issues affecting nonprofits: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/newsletter-archive Sarah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-saadian-495933b/NCN's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nation
- May 20, 202637 min
Anger, Hope, Funding, and the Future of Nonprofits with Vu Le, Nonprofit AF
Vu Le is our guest for the Season Nine Finalé, which also serves as an installment of our ongoing Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Series. Recorded with a live zoom audience during our spring webinar series, Vu discusses his burnout, funding instability, philanthropy’s power dynamics, and what it will take to strengthen nonprofits in an era of rising authoritarianism. Vu argues that nonprofits and funders must stop normalizing scarcity, invest deeply in leaders and infrastructure, and organize collectively for long-term change.Drawing from his new book Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy, Vu challenges conventional assumptions about fundraising, nonprofit leadership, and philanthropy itself. The conversation explores why progressive movements struggle to sustain leaders, how conservative leadership infrastructure has been built strategically over decades, and what nonprofit professionals can do right now to protect democracy and each other.Download a transcript of the episodeAbout Our GuestVu Le is a prominent writer, speaker, and former executive director of Seattle-based Rainier Valley Corps. Widely recognized for his irreverent, no-nonsense approach to social justice and philanthropy, he authors the viral blog Nonprofit AF, and is a co-founder of the Community-Centric Fundraising movement. Most recently he is author of the book, Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy. In 2020, Vu was our first guest on the Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl.Suggested Links:Vu Le’s Blog, Nonprofit AFReimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy (Book)The Sally Covington Report (Moving a Public Policy Agenda: The Strategic Philanthropy of Conservative Foundations)Community-Centric FundraisingNonprofits Are Message with Joan Garry - Episode 251 with VuTrust-Based Philanthropy ProjectNational Council of NonprofitsIndependent SectorBolder AdvocacyRules of the Game Podcast (Note: Rusty misstated the name of the podcast in the recording. The correct name provided here)Solidaire NetworkFund the PeopleFund the People Webinar SeriesRelated Fund the People Podcast Episodes:S1:E1 — Vu Le: Treating Nonprofit People Like Batteries - The very first FTP podcast episode, revisited in this conversation, on burnout, scarcity, and nonprofit workforce culture.
- May 13, 202633 min
Protect Direct Democracy: Ballot Measures, Funders, and Nonprofits - with Liz DiLauro, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
In this installment of our Defend Nonprofits Defend Democracy Series, you’ll get a deep dive into one of the least-discussed but most important democracy issues facing nonprofits and philanthropy today: attacks on ballot initiatives and direct democracy. Elizabeth DiLauro of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation joins Rusty Stahl to discuss how ballot measures have become critical tools for advancing health equity and why efforts to restrict citizen-led initiatives threaten both democracy and the nonprofit sector.Liz shares how RWJF is funding organizations defending ballot access in multiple states, helping other funders understand the legal pathways for engagement, and why funders using their public voice matters as much as their grantmaking right now. The conversation also explores democratic backsliding, gerrymandering, philanthropy’s role in this moment, and why protecting democratic participation is foundational to every social justice mission.Download the edited transcript as a .pdfGuest Bio:Elizabeth DiLauro serves as a Senior Policy Officer with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, where she shapes strategy and grantmaking at the state level to advance long-term change in the social policies that impact our nation’s health and well-being. Previously, Liz served as the senior director of advocacy at ZERO TO THREE, where she led the organization’s advocacy strategy to advance a policy agenda for young children and families. Earlier in her career, Liz worked with the Pew Charitable Trusts where she crafted state campaigns to increase access to children’s dental care, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry where she advanced strategies to support children’s mental health policy. She has also worked in federal and state advocacy with Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) USA.Liz holds a Master of Public Administration from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University, with a specialization in public and non-profit policy and management.Links to Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeOrganizations:Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)Ballot Initiative Strategy CenterBallot Initiative Strategy Center FoundationFairness Project Education FundBolder Advocacy (program of Alliance for Justice)Fund the PeopleReports, Publications, Events, and Tools:Rules of the Game Podcast (Bolder Advocacy, a program of Alliance for Justice)Foundations on the HillAnswering the Call for a Healthy, Inclusive Democracy - Annual Letter (April 2026) by Dr. Rich Besser, President, Robert Wood Johnson FoundationBallot Measure Hub - a web resources aggregating information and analysis about ballot measures that Ballot Initiative Strategy Center is trackingDefending Direct Democracy: Attacks On The Ballot Measure Process And The Rise Of Authoritarianism (report by the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center - March 2026)All By April (a 501c3 campaign hosted by Democracy Fund)
- May 7, 202644 min
From 7% to 107%: Investing in Organizers Supercharges Impact - with Geraldine Alcid (Filipino Advocates for Justice) and Rebecca Gorena (All Due Respect)
In this episode (S9:E16), you’ll hear compelling evidence that investing in nonprofit workers isn’t a distraction from program results—it actually supercharges impact!Burnout is widespread in the nonprofit sector, particularly in social justice groups. But it doesn’t have to be. Our guests share their research, experience, and thinking, based on a cohort of Northern California nonprofits working with All Due Respect to improve working conditions for organizers in their ranks. Geraldine and Rebecca vividly describe how better pay, stronger systems, and a culture of wellness can significantly improve job quality, employee retention -- and program results. Download an edited transcript in .pdf formatOur Guests:Geraldine Alcid is Executive Director of Filipino Advocates for Justice (FAJ). Established in 1973 in response to the discrimination and alienation faced by Filipino immigrant newcomers, FAJ builds a strong Filipino community by organizing constituents, developing leaders, providing services, and advocating for just policies. Geraldine is also a founder and leads FAJ’s sibling 501C4 organization, FAJ Action Fund, established in 2022. She was born in Makati, Philippines, grew up in Chicago, IL. and currently lives in Oakland, CA. Rebecca Gorena (she/ella) is Senior Program Director at All Due Respect. She is a community advocate and campaign manager with over 14 years of experience across states and social justice sectors. Rebecca has led organizing and policy campaigns across many issues with an emphasis on developing the skills and autonomy of the organizers she works alongside. This has resulted in her passion for building stronger movement spaces and leaders.Links to ResourcesKey Reports & Tools:Shared Guidelines: A Commitment to Bay Area Organizers (Report from All Due Respect)People Power Movements: Lessons from FAJ’s Deep Wellness Project (Report from All Due Respect)Youth Organizing in the Bay Area: An Exploration of Organizational Labor Standards (Report from All Due Respect)Sustainable Jobs Toolkit (Online toolkit from All Due Respect + Staffing the Mission)Upgrading Nonprofit Workplaces 2026 Case Study Series (Research from Fund the People)Guest's and Host's Organizations:All Due Respect (ADR) websiteFilipino Advocates for Justice (FAJ) website FAJ on FacebookFAJ on InstagramFund the People (FTP) websiteFTP on LinkedInFTP Mailing ListRelated Networks & Partners Mentioned:RYSE CenterAAPIs for Civic Empowerment (FORCE)California Domestic Worker CoalitionEast Bay Community FoundationNational Domestic Workers Alliance<
- Apr 29, 202638 min
Build Trust, Practice Equity: Funders and The Black Nonprofit Workforce - with Kaci Patterson, Social Good Solutions and Black Equity Collective
What does it take to move from talking about racial equity to practicing it—inside philanthropy and across the nonprofit sector? In this episode, you’ll get visionary and pragmatic guidance on how funders and nonprofits can close the gap between intention and action. Rusty speaks with Kaci Patterson, Founder of Social Good Solutions and the Black Equity Collective. Kaci shares how her work brings funders and Black-led organizations together to build relationships, trust, and unding strategies that are rooted in community.The conversation also digs into the economic and social impact of Black community organizations, the persistent under-funded/under-capacity paradox faced by these organizations, and the urgent opportunity facing philanthropy. As the DEI backlash and public sector staffing cuts disproportionately impact Black women, Kaci argues that philanthropy has a choice: retreat to old habits or invest boldly in a stronger, more equitable nonprofit workforce. This episode offers both a clear-eyed critique and a hopeful path forward—grounded in relationships, mutuality, shared leadership, and long-term sustainability.Download an edited transcript .pdf of episodeAbout Our Guest:Kaci is Founder and Chief Architect of Social Good Solutions (SGS), a Black woman-owned and operated boutique social impact consulting firm. Kaci also serves as Founder and Chief Architect of the Black Equity Collective, housed within Social Good Solutions.Kaci launched SGS in 2014 after nearly 18 years of working in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Always with an eye toward human and community development, SGS works with philanthropic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies to design, operationalize and manage racial justice initiatives from concept to implementation. The firm’s expertise is operationalizing equity, demonstrating what’s possible in philanthropy and creating new standards for equity-centered practices in the field. Since 2014, SGS has raised and leveraged over $86 million (and counting!) for Black-led organizations in California!Links & Resources:Kaci Patterson & Her Work:Social Good SolutionsBlack Equity CollectiveA Guide for Pursuing Black Equity & Racial Justice in Philanthropic Initiatives and Government SystemsResearch & Data Mentioned:The Economic Contributions of California Black-Led Organizations, May 20, 2025, published by the Black Equity Collective and Nonprofit Finance FundBlack-led Nonprofits Didn’t See the Lasting Funding Boosts Promised After 2020’s Racial Reckoning, by James Pollard, April 7, 2026, Associated PressCandid + ABFE report on funding for Black-led nonprofitsBlack Women Suffered Large Employment Losses in 2025—Particularly Among College Graduates and Public-Sector Workers, by Valerie Wilson, February 10, 2026, Economic Policy InstituteRelated Organizations & Context:BLACC (Building Leaders and Cultivating Change) Fund (at Liberty Hill Foundation)ABFE - A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities (formerly the Association of Black Foundation Executives)</a
- Apr 22, 202621 min
DEMOCRACY: The Unique Value of the US Nonprofit Workforce (3 of 3)
In this episode, you'll get a clear, concise, and cogent argument for the unique value of the U.S. nonprofit workforce, with a specific focus on how nonprofit workers contribute to democratic participation and self-governance. Host Rusty Stahl discusses five ways this value manifests:Bringing the First Amendment to lifeDelivering services to citizens on behalf of governmentAdvocating to government for the public interestLast bulwarks of democracyEngines of civic participationThis is the third installment in our three-episode miniseries on the Unique Value of the U.S. nonprofit workforce. The first installment focused on our contributions to American community. The second focused on our contributions to the American economy. (You can find links to the prior installments below.) Taken together, we have a powerful picture of how the nonprofit contributes to American society It's worth noting that, in this framing the 'third sector' contributes mightily to the first sector (the public sector, or government) and the second sector (the private sector, or business).Download a transcript in .pdf format.Relevant Episodes:The Unique Value of the U.S. Nonprofit Workforce - Part 1 of 3The Unique Value of the U.S. Nonprofit Workforce - Part 2 of 3S1:E4 - Lester Salamon (including this episode because at about minute 9 and 54 seconds, Dr. Salamon discussed how the federal government massively 'outsources' the delivery of its programs and services to 'third parties', many of which are nonprofits)
- Apr 15, 202614 min
ECONOMY: The Unique Value of the U.S. Nonprofit Workforce (2 of 3)
In this episode, host Rusty Stahl makes the economic case for valuing the nonprofit workforce—nearly 13 million workers powering 10% of the U.S. private workforce. Drawing on fresh data, he reveals how nonprofits create jobs, stabilize communities during crises, and fuel broader economic growth. If policymakers and funders overlook this workforce, they’re missing one of the most significant economic forces in the country.This is Part 2 of our 3-part miniseries on the value of the nonprofit workforce! In the first episode of the miniseries, Rusty makes a passionate plea for everyone to discuss the value of the nonprofit workforce, and then addresses how nonprofit workers bring value of their communities. Part 3 of the miniseries will discuss the value of the nonprofit workforce for our democracy.Links to Resources:5 Surprising Facts about the U.S Nonprofit WorkforceCalNonprofits 2019 Causes Count Report Subscribe to Fund the People's YouTube Channel.FTP Podcast Audio on YouTubeFTP Podcast Video on YoutubeFTP Podcast Video ClipsGeorge Mason University:Nonprofit Employment Data (NED) Project2024 Nonprofit Employment Data Report (national data on nonprofit wages)Spotlight on Nonprofit Wages (nonprofit wages by sub-sector)Nonprofit Employment in the States, 2017-2022 (nonprofit wages by region)Nonprofit Works Interactive Online Database (explore nonprofit wages by geographic area, sub-sector, and in comparison to for-profit and government)Relevant Episodes:The Unique Value of the U.S. Nonprofit Workforce - Part 1 (S9:E12, April 8, 2026, 22 minutes)Making the Nonprofit Workforce Visible - with Dr. Alan Abramson and Chelsea Newhouse, George Mason University (S7:E24, May 21, 2025, 42 minutes)The Power of the Nonprofit Workforce - with Dr. Lester Salamon, Johns Hopkins University (S1:E4, October 16, 2020, 52 minutes)
About Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl
The only show that helps YOU invest in the nonprofit workforce! Here you’ll get the ideas, tools, data, and stories you need in order raise or give money to support and develop nonprofit workers and leaders in your organization or your community. This unique podcast invites you into casual, provocative conversations with diverse leaders from foundations, nonprofits, academia, and capacity-building groups. We give you the big picture view, and we dig into specific issues, such as executive transitions, burnout, HR, fundraising for staff, how public policy impacts nonprofit workers, and more. Fund the People is the national organization that works to maximize investments in America's nonprofit workforce. It was founded in 2014 by Rusty Stahl with support from The Kresge Foundation, NYU Wagner, and Tides. We’ve launched the podcast in 2020, and have published over 100 episodes across 8 seasons.
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