Free Daily Podcast Summary
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 5 days ago47 min
“We Can’t 5% Our Way Out of This” — with Brenda Solórzano, The California Endowment
Download PDF of episode transcriptWhat does it look like when a major foundation decides that a crisis calls for more than business as usual? Bold but smart!This episode offers amazing insights and inspiration from Brenda Solórzano, President and CEO of The California Endowment. Brenda shares about how philanthropy can respond when nonprofits face rising demand, shrinking resources, and mounting pressure. She discusses how The California Endowment decided to substantially increase its spending, eliminate grantee reporting requirements, accelerate resource flows, and experiment! She explains why the Endowment signed the Level Up pledge and how it's spending the additional funds.For funders and nonprofit leaders alike, this conversation offers practical ideas for moving from risk-aversion toward responsive partnership. Solórzano discusses what it takes to build trust between foundations and nonprofits; why multi-year funding alone isn't enough; how funders can create relationships where grantees feel safe talking honestly about burnout; and why philanthropy may need to rethink payout. perpetuity, and the business model of foundations. She also makes the case that, rather than simply trying to preserve existing systems, funders can help communities build what comes next.For a Guest Bio, please click here: https://candid.org/authors/brenda-solorzano/ Key Links to Resources:Featured Guest & Institution Links:The California Endowment: https://www.calendow.orgThe California Endowment: Increased Spending: https://www.calendow.org/tce-board-approves-increased-spending/ Level Up & CHANGE Philanthropy Links:Level Up Campaign: https://levelupphilanthropy.org/CHANGE Philanthropy: https://changephilanthropy.orgCHANGE Philanthropy / Our Work: https://changephilanthropy.org/elementor-397/Trust-Based Philanthropy Links:The California Endowment’s Go! Gifts: https://www.calendow.org/gogifts/Headwaters Foundation of Montana’s Go Grants: https://www.headwatersmt.org/what-we-fund/go-grants/Trust-Based Philanthropy Project: https://www.trustbasedphilanthropy.org CHANGE Philanthropy Member Organizations Links:Asian American Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP): https://aapip.orgABFE - A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities: https://www.abfe.orgEmerging Practitioners in Philanthropy: https://www.epip.orgFunders for LGBTQ Issues: https://lgbtfunders.orgHispanics in Philanthropy: https://hipfunds.orgNative Americans in Philanthropy: https://nativephilanthropy.orgNational Committee for Responsive Philanthropy: https://ncrp.orgNeighborhood Funders Group: https://nfg.orgPhilanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity: https://racialequity.org Women’s Funding Network: https://www.womensfundingnetwork.orgFund the People Links:Fund the People website: https://fundthepeople.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Fund the People Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/fund-the-people Join the FTP Podcast Premium community over on Patreon for extended episodes, bonus content, and more: http://patreon.co
- 1 weeks ago50 min
Level Up: Helping Funders Give More, Faster - with Jodeen Olguín-Tayler, CHANGE Philanthropy
Synopsis:In this episode, you’ll learn about a current organizing effort to get institutional funders to ‘level up’ their giving in response to attacks on nonprofits and communities. Host Rusty Stahl speaks with Jodeen Olguín-Tayler (CHANGE Philanthropy) about the Level Up campaign and its three-part pledge, in which funders agree to (1) increase giving for at least two years; (2) move money quickly and equitably to support 'frontline' communities; and (3) share how the commitments are put into practice.The conversation also explores why increased payout rates matter right now; the role of donor advised funds; protecting racial justice grantmaking; and how funders can learn from one another to overcome internal barriers and turn commitments into action. This Season 10 premiere is an installment of our Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Series. In a companion episode (S10:E2) next week, Brenda Solarzano shares why The California Endowment signed the Level Up pledge, and how its moving money in response to the current crisis.Download transcript .pdf: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZpRvZ_zQQQkPSyX9t4FL0Uka0OcQgcAP/view?usp=sharingGuest Bio:Jodeen Olguín-Tayler (she/ella) is Director of Programs and Campaigns at CHANGE Philanthropy, where she supports the Level Up Campaign. Jodeen has served in executive roles in philanthropy, business, and nonprofits for over 20 years with a focus on democracy and an economy rooted in racial and gender equity. Her board service has included Movement Voter Fund, Poder Latinx, Chicana Empowerment Fund, Inclusive Democracy and Climate Equity Fund, and Movement Strategy Center. Her staff leadership has included the National Domestic and MoveOn. Full bio: https://changephilanthropy.org/about/team.Essential Links:Level Up Campaign: http://levelupphilanthropy.orgLevel Up Campaign email: levelup@changephilanthropy.orgCHANGE Philanthropy: https://changephilanthropy.org/Fund the People: http://fundthepeople.orgFund the People Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/fund-the-people Fund the People Podcast Premium on Patreon: http://patreon.com/fundthepeople Key Resources from the Episode:Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative: https://www.abfe.org/racial-equity-advancement-and-defense-initiative-readiFree Your Donor Advised Fund (DAF) website: http://freeyourdaf.orgCHANGE Philanthropy Member Organizations:Asian American Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP): https://aapip.orgABFE - A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities: https://www.abfe.orgEmerging Practitioners in Philanthropy: https://www.epip.orgFunders for LGBTQ Issues: https://lgbtfunders.orgHispanics in Philanthropy: https://hipfunds.orgNative Americans in Philanthropy: https://nativephilanthropy.orgNational Committee for Responsive Philanthropy: https://ncrp.orgNeighborhood Funders Group: https://nfg.orgPhilanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity: https://racialequity.o
- 2 weeks ago2 min
FTP Podcast Season 10 Starts 9/9! Find Your People @ Fund the People!
Hi everybody – this is Rusty Stahl, CEO of Fund the People and host of your Fund the People Podcast. Season 10 starts next Wednesday, September 9th. New episodes will be available every Wednesday throughout the fall. So I wanted to say a quick hello to get you ready!As you probably know, Fund the People is the only national organization dedicated entirely to increasing investment in America's nonprofit workforce. Our podcast equips YOU to invest in the nonprofit workforce! Whatever your role in the sector, we provide you with the ideas, research, tools, and leading voices you need to hear in order to invest in the nonprofit people around you!Why does this matter? Because there's a chronic deficit of investment in the nonprofit workforce, which has undermined the effectiveness and impact of the sector for decades. But when nonprofits have the funding and incentive to invest in their people, they can dramatically increases the performance, results, and sustainability!During the current era of political attacks, federal funding cuts; heightened levels of burnout, churn-out, and crisis across the nonprofit sector, investing in nonprofit people is an even more essential strategy to save nonprofit jobs, services, and organizations. Which means it’s time for all of us to learn the art of talent-investing.Thankfully we’re making that easier than ever.As we enter our seventh year of podcasting, the show just keeps getting better and better. More incredible guests. More real talk. More hard-hitting coverage of our sector's workforce issues. In fact, our guests are so great that the show is now ranked # EIGHT on the top list of 100 Best Nonprofit Podcasts in the U.S (FeedSpot).This fall, Season 10 brings you even more wisdom and practical resources from across the sector. So come "find your people" on Fund the People: bee sure to subscribe, listen or watch, and share the show!
- Jul 22, 202630 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
- Jul 8, 202641 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<
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.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Fund the People.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl release new episodes?
Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl cover?
Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl covers topics including Business, Non-Profit. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Fund the People: A Podcast with Rusty Stahl summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.