The Charity Charge Show - Nonprofit Podcast
Scaling a mission requires more than passion, it requires high-discipline leadership, financial innovation, and strategic resilience. Hosted by Stephen Garten, The Charity Charge Show goes behind the scenes with nonprofit CEOs, social impact innovators, and community leaders. From the TGR Foundation to the Sierra Club, we deconstruct the operational models, fundraising breakthroughs, and "durable skills" driving real-world impact. Power your mission with actionable insights from the front lines of the nonprofit sector.
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How Momentum Refresh Is Redefining Accessibility at Events
<p>In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, Grayson Harris sits down with Dan Lusk, Executive Director of Momentum Refresh, to discuss one of the most overlooked barriers to inclusion at public events: truly accessible restrooms. Dan shares how the organization was built to solve a basic but critical problem, why ADA compliance alone is not enough, and how their mission driven model is scaling nationwide.</p><p>The conversation covers rapid growth, community partnerships, disaster response, and what is ahead in 2026.</p><p>Key Topics Covered</p>Why accessible restrooms remain a major barrier to participationThe difference between...
From Foster Care to Dignity at Scale: A Conversation with Rob Scheer of Comfort Cases
<p>In this episode of The Charity Charge Show, we sit down with Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases, a nonprofit that has delivered more than 300,000 backpacks filled with essentials to children entering foster care across all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, and soon Canada.</p><p>Growing Up in the System<br><br></p><p>Rob did not come to foster care as an advocate. He came as a child who lived it.</p><p>He entered foster care because of abuse, not neglect. Cigarette burns on his body are reminders he still carries at 59 years...
Nonprofit Spotlight: Carol Klocek, CEO of the Center for Transforming Lives
<p>In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight Series, hosted by Charity Charge, Grayson Harris sits down with Carol Klocek, CEO of the Center for Transforming Lives, to explore what it really takes to disrupt generational poverty and build long term economic stability for single mothers and their children.</p><p>Founded in 1907 and rebranded in 2015, the Center for Transforming Lives has evolved into a comprehensive, two generational organization serving families across the Fort Worth and Tarrant County region. Carol shares how the organization pairs housing stability, early childhood education, clinical counseling, and economic mobility services to address the root...
Accreditation, AI, and the Future of Donor Trust with Bennett Weiner, President & CEO of BBB Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org)
<p>In this insightful episode, Grayson Harris sits down with Bennett Weiner, the newly appointed CEO of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org).</p><p>As we move through 2025 and look toward 2026, the landscape of philanthropy is shifting rapidly. Bennett shares his expertise on the critical importance of nonprofit transparency, the "evolving" nature of accountability standards, and how organizations can navigate a world where AI bots may soon outnumber humans.</p><p>Key Takeaways</p>The Power of Accreditation: Unlike rating systems that use letter grades, Give.org focuses on a 20-standard evaluation process covering governance, finances, and privacy...
Nonprofit Spotlight - YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City
<p>In this episode of the Charity Charge Show, host Grayson Harris sits down with Joe Kendrick (Executive Director of Christian Mission) and Lacey Kendrick (VP of Financial Development) from the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. The duo discusses the 180-year history of the YMCA movement, the strategic importance of its Christian heritage, and the complex balance between earned revenue and philanthropic impact.</p><p>Key Discussion Points</p>The Roots of a Global Movement: Joe Kendrick recounts the 1844 founding of the YMCA by George Williams in London and how that original vision of "hope and grace" translates to modern-day...
The Mission of Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Building Beds and Changing Lives
<p>In Episode 144 of the Charity Charge Show, we sit down with a man who is quite literally building a better night's sleep for children across the globe. Luke Mickelson, the founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) Beds, joins us to share a story that started in a cold Idaho garage and has since ignited a national movement to end "child bedlessness."</p><p>From a "Two-by-Four" Realization to a National Movement<br><br></p><p>Luke’s journey didn't start in a boardroom; it started with a simple observation in Kimberly, Idaho. While looking for ways to get lo...
Nonprofit Spotlight - Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ
<p>In this episode of the Nonprofit Spotlight Series, we interview Ginny Hill, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey. They discuss the mission of the Girl Scouts, the significance of the cookie program, community partnerships, challenges in nonprofit talent management, and future plans for the organization. Jenny highlights how the Girl Scouts empower girls through various programs and the importance of community support in achieving their goals.</p> <br><p>---------------------------</p><p>About Charity Charge<br><br>Charity Charge is a financial technology company serving the nonprofit sector. From the Charity Charge Nonprofit Credit Card...
Girl Scouts of Central Texas on building leaders and sustainable revenue beyond cookie season
<p>Most people think they know Girl Scouts because of one thing: cookies.</p><p>In Episode 143 of the Charity Charge Show, Stephen Garten sits down in person with Paula Bookidis, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central Texas, to talk about what the public rarely sees. Yes, the cookie program is a powerhouse. But the real story is how Girl Scouts builds courage, confidence, and character through a leadership experience that blends entrepreneurship, STEM, outdoors, and life skills<br>.</p><p>Girl Scouts of Central Texas serves more than 12,000 members across 46 counties, runs with about 75 full-time staff, and relies on...
Nonprofit Spotlight: Veterans Community Project
<p>In this episode of our Nonprofit Spotlight series, Grayson Harris sits down with Rebecca Tallman, Executive Director of Veterans Community Project St. Louis, to discuss how the organization is tackling veteran homelessness by filling the gaps left by traditional systems.</p><p>Founded by combat veterans, Veterans Community Project provides transitional housing through tiny home villages and delivers wraparound services without restricting who qualifies for help. Rebecca shares how the model works, why saying no to certain funding is sometimes necessary, and how long term, generational impact starts with stable housing.</p><p>This is a grounded conversation about...
Nonprofit Spotlight - Athletes in Action
<p>In this conversation, Grayson Harris interviews Jonathan Van Horn, the Executive Director of Pro Soccer for Athletes in Action. They discuss the organization's mission to support athletes through mental health resources, the importance of volunteerism, and the challenges athletes face in maintaining their identity beyond sports. Jonathan shares insights from his 20 years of experience, emphasizing the significance of building relationships and learning from failures. They also look ahead to the upcoming World Cup in 2026 and the initiative 'Victory Beyond the Cup' aimed at mobilizing communities.</p> <br><p>---------------------------</p><p>About Charity Charge<br><br>Charity Charge is...
