Explore every episode of the podcast find your cause
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giving At-Risk Kids Their First Passport With Omari Davis | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:33:31 | |
Home economics. Wood shop. Music. The enrichment classes that taught a generation how to actually live got quietly cut from schools, but the kids still need them. Omari Davis built an organization to put them back. Omari Davis is the founder and executive officer of Get Out And Learn Something (GOALS), and a returning Find Your Cause guest five years after his first appearance. In this conversation he and Joseph Smalzer get into the "Use What You Got" culinary unit that teaches latchkey kids to make a real meal from whatever's already in the kitchen, the Passion Through Passports program that has taken youth on their first flights to Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico, why "no man is an island" still matters in the age of AI, the importance of protecting the pause between a question and an answer, and the slow, cold-call-and-a-flyer work of growing to nearly 20 schools across two states. G.O.A.L.S. Website: https://www.getoutandlearnsomething.com/ Email: getoutandlearnsomething@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getoutandlearnsomething Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getoutandlearnsomething/ GTZP: Website: gtzp.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greaterthanzeropercent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greaterthanzeropercent/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greaterthanzeropercent/ Want to be a guest? You may reach jerome@gtzp.org for inquiries. #FindYourCause #YouthDevelopment #Education #Nonprofit #LifeSkills #GreaterThanZeroPercent | |||
| 45 Years Fighting for the World's Most Forgotten People With Steven Muncy | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:37:06 | |
Steven Muncy was 23 years old, had never left the US, and couldn't speak a foreign language. He bought a ticket to the Philippines anyway. Forty-six years later, he leads Community and Family Services International, a 500-person organization working with hundreds of thousands of displaced people each year across Southeast Asia. In this conversation, Steven talks about the lessons that only come from showing up in a refugee camp, why the narrative around refugees is not just wrong but provably wrong, and the one moment with a woman named Dolores that changed how he listens. Guest links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CFSI.RebuildingLives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfsi_rebuilds/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cfsi-rebuildinglives/ X: https://x.com/CFSI_rebuilds YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cfsivideo/feed GTZP links:
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| The Missing Piece in Most Nonprofits With Tania Rempert | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:41:38 | |
Sponsorship Inquiries: https://calendly.com/gtzp/gtzp-impact-alignment Tania Rempert has spent her career inside nonprofits that are doing real work but cannot prove it. As founder and board president of Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation Org (P.I.E.), she helps mission-driven organizations identify what they are actually changing, measure it, and tell that story to funders with confidence. Connect with Find Your Cause:
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| E124: Building Empathy Through Cultural Identity | 20 Apr 2023 | 00:28:59 | |
In this episode we interview Aaron Friedman, Co-Founder & Executive Director at OLASTEO. OLASTEO’s mission is to create experiences that empower students to serve as catalysts for social impact. OLASTEO = our lives as seen through each other. We encourage diversity, promote empathy, and build community by providing enriching cultural and educational experiences to high school students in underserved communities. OLASTEO is a belief that new experiences enrich our lives and empower us to make change happen. When we open new doors, we also open ourselves up to new possibilities and to a new way to think, live, and dream. OLASTEO was founded on the premise that travel can help open and expand student perspectives and mindsets. In traveling to new cities (and countries), we encourage our students to experience and learn about life beyond their respective communities. The adventure of travel and being away from home is a small portion of the immersive cultural excursions we provide. OLASTEO strives, above all else, to educate our students about the lived experiences and challenges others have faced, both those before them and those from other cultures and communities. We curate unique, immersive, and transformational local, national, and international excursions. | |||
| E112: Purpose Through Passion | 19 Jan 2023 | 00:32:40 | |
In this episode we interview Laran (Director of Programming and Outreach) and Amanda (Director of Operations) at Purpose Through Passion. Purpose Through Passion’s (PTP) mission is the belief that change is possible and can happen against all odds. PTP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit funding any recreational activity or hobby for those recovering from addiction in the Tampa Bay Area. Many of us have experienced the negative impact of addiction. Whether we’ve gone through it ourselves, or have known someone who has struggled with addiction, the vast majority of us have been impacted in some way, shape, or form. We choose not to allow these impacts to weigh us down, but to instead use them to drive us onward and upward. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Legacy Reentry Foundation | 27 Oct 2022 | 00:29:49 | |
In this episode we interview George Moore, Pastor, Founder, and Executive Director of Legacy Reentry Foundation. Legacy Reentry Foundation is a faith based non profit dedicated to helping the formerly incarcerated - and anyone else in need of "second chance" resources to reintegrate back into society. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Survivors Joining for Hope | 27 Jan 2022 | 00:23:41 | |
In this episode we interview Brad Hearst, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Survivors Joining for Hope (SJ4H). SJ4H’s mission is to lessen the hardship experienced by individuals and families who have been affected by suicide.
Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
Donate: https://survivorsjoiningforhope.com/donate/
Phone: +1 (605) 838-6636
Email: info@survivorsjoiningforhope.org
Website: https://survivorsjoiningforhope.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/survivorsjoiningforhope/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivorsjoiningforhope/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/survivorsjoiningforhope/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-1o7ZiFrzBlN8mOVe2bSZg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/survivors4hope
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| Lawndale Christian Legal Center | 15 Sep 2022 | 00:30:21 | |
In this episode we interview Cliff Nellis, Executive Director at Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC). LCLC's vision is to raise up justly treated youth who are embraced by their family and community, restored from trauma, empowered to lead, and free from the criminal justice system. LCLC accomplishes this by providing holistic community-based legal services grounded in restorative justice to youth 18-24 from North Lawndale involved in the juvenile or adult criminal justice system. LCLC offers integrated legal and social services to youth while their case is pending in court, and continues to provide these services after their case is over while they are on probation, supervision, or parole. LCLC team consists of attorneys, case managers, outreach workers, and community partners providing wrap-around support that include housing, workforce development, mentoring, mental health counseling, and after-school activities. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Kids First Chicago // Chicago – “Education: Gateway to a better life” | 11 Feb 2021 | 00:40:11 | |
Due to Covid, 1 in 5 homes in Chicago don’t have access to broadband internet.
On some blocks, it can be 1 in 2 houses disconnected.
In this episode we hear from Daniel Anello, CEO of Kids First Chicago, who was able to champion the $50M initiative ‘Chicago Connect’ which brought broadband to 35,000 students in need, and work with parents and school districts to shape education policy to better support families.
Want to get engaged?
Website: https://kidsfirstchicago.org/
Phone: (312) 853-1212
Email: info@kidsfirstchicago.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidsfirstchi/
Instagram: @kidsfirstchi
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| KEEN Chicago// Fitness For All | 21 Jan 2021 | 00:37:05 | |
Working to create a World where all youth have an equal opportunity for recreation, fitness, and friendship, in this episode, we hear from Laura Fillenwarth, Executive Director and Amy Bosko, Program Coordinator at Keen Chicago. Serving over 150 Athletes and with 600 volunteers, they discuss how important it is to provide a space for young athletes with disabilities to connect with each other and their communities!
Get engaged!
New Volunteer Registration - https://www.keenchicago.org/volunteer-registration
Website: https://www.keenchicago.org/
Phone: (312) 876-2535
Email: info@keenchicago.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keenchicago/
Instagram: @keenchicago
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCktbIGYasL1lr876liRxBZQ?
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| Village Minds with Natia Simone // It takes a Village | 12 Nov 2020 | 00:24:38 | |
In Season 2, Episode 6 we hear how Natia Simone - Founder of Village Minds, created the organization to do food runs for seniors in her neighborhood near Stony Island, that were impacted by looting in early 2020. When many stores were emptied, she mentions how many mothers and the elderly didn’t have many local options to buy basic necessities and Natia decided “someone should do something…and figure out how to help them!” Being a “Chicago Girl” born and raised on Chicago’s southside, Natia grew up with a large supportive family. She mentions how much of an impact it was to have “Aunties, Uncles, and Grandpas in the neighborhood, all contributing to your wellbeing.” In June of 2020 Natia started a Facebook Live asking for someone to step up and help the community, and quickly realized that she would need to be that person! “Someone in the facebook comments section mentioned - “You do it!” What started off as a few posts asking for donations, turned into the beginnings of Village Minds, and the organization feeding 462 people.Since then, Natia has been primarily focused on supporting low income seniors, realizing there was already a need for help even before the lootings and coronavirus. One of the seniors they helped support mentions “we have gone so long without quality food, we forgot what good food tasted like.”For volunteer or donation opportunities, or want to refer someone who needs help, check Village Minds Facebook page! Connect with the Village Minds:Email: villagemindsunited@gmail.comPhone: 312-804-5824Facebook: Villageminds FacebookCashapp: $villagemindsVenmo: village_minds Know of an individual or group that is working hard to leave a better impact in theircommunity? We want to tell their story! Connect with GTZP! For past and future content, be sure to follow us!Website: GTZP.orgEmail: contact@gtzp.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/greaterthanzeropercentIG @greaterthanzeropercentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/69174296/
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| Watts of Love // Shining Bright in Darkness | 14 Jan 2021 | 00:30:46 | |
With over a BILLION people globally who do not have access to light, many have to rely on dangerous and costly kerosine lanterns to survive. In this episode we hear from Christie Dunne, Director of Operations at Watts of Love, as she discusses how her organization, through global partnerships, are able to shine a light of hope and opportunity for recipients that typically get the least help.Want to get involved?Website: https://www.wattsoflove.org/Email: hello@wattsoflove.orgPhone: (630) 576-1142Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wattsoflove/IG: @wattsofloveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/watts-of-love/Know of an individual or group that is working hard to leave a better impact in theircommunity? We want to tell their story! Connect with GTZP! For past and future content, be sure to follow us!Spotify & Apple PodcastWebsite: GTZP.orgEmail: contact@gtzp.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/greaterthanzeropercentIG @greaterthanzeropercentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greaterthanzeropercent
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| Human Scale | 16 Jun 2021 | 00:27:56 | |
“I wanted to do something now” to have a larger impact and support historically disinvested communities in Chicago.
In this episode we hear from Walmer Saavedra, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Human Scale. Human Scale is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to design and build functional, beautiful, and meaningful public spaces in historically disinvested neighborhoods across Chicago. The team at Human Scale seeks to improve mental and physical wellness, promote civic responsibility, highlight heritage and culture, and foster strong inter-generational relationships within the communities they work.
How can you help? Donate and volunteer!
Follow, like, comment, and share:
Website: https://www.humanscale.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humanscaleorg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/human-scale/
Instagram @humanscaleorg
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| Heavenly Cynt Youth Org: Mentorship, Exposure, and Cindy the Cowgirl Teaches Kindness | EP. 192 | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:25:48 | |
In this interview, Cynthia Manuel, executive director of Heavenly Cynt Youth Org, explains the organization’s mission to empower youth through mentorship, literacy, life skills, sports, and positive community connections, rooted in her brother’s 1998 death from street violence and her desire to protect and expand opportunities for youth in Chicago’s North Lawndale. 00:15 Mission of Heavenly Cynt 00:36 The Why Behind It 01:58 North Lawndale Reality 03:04 Horses and New Horizons 04:52 Cindy Cowgirl Book 06:18 Desensitized to Violence 09:10 Mentorship and Alumni 10:42 Exposure Builds Trust 13:58 Success Stories and Police 16:18 What Keeps Her Going 17:31 Next Decade Vision 20:53 Life Skills Curriculum 21:52 Measure Impact and Support 23:53 Kindness Pledge Closing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gtzp | |||
| Kingdom Avenue Inc. with Danielle Wallace | 14 Aug 2020 | 00:45:49 | |
In Season 1, Episode 6 we hear from Danielle Wallace, Founder & Executive Director of Kingdom Avenue Inc. share her story and how she is connecting community resources to serve youth.
Kingdom Avenue Inc.'s mission is to transform communities one generation at a time through education, inspiration, and unification.
Unity is the anchor for all Kingdom Avenue programming. Whether it be through collaborating with other organizations to provide resources for students or through our approach to program development and implementation, they are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes collective work and responsibility among their staff and students.
Get connected:
Website: kingdomavenue.org
Phone: (847) 893-0360
Email: kingdomavenuechicago@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KingdomAvenueInc
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| E111: A Step Ahead Chess | 22 Dec 2022 | 00:29:06 | |
In this episode we interview Coach Shawn Sorsby, Executive Director of A Step Ahead Chess. A Step Ahead Chess is on a mission to encourage. To leave a lasting impact on the lives of children by addressing their physical, mental and emotional needs with quality care and compassion. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Lost&Found | 03 Nov 2022 | 00:34:08 | |
In this episode we interview Erik Muckey, CEO of Lost & Found. Lost & Found ‘s mission is to deliver comprehensive, data-driven, and resilience-focused suicide prevention and postvention programs and services for youth and young adults (ages 10-34) and their support networks. Student Programs: We partner with schools and higher education institutions to deliver innovative, student-centered, actionable programs that train student advocates and make resilient communities possible. Evaluation & Research Services: We apply public health, suicide prevention, and program evaluation expertise to conduct needs assessments, assess community suicide prevention capacity, and provide outsourced program evaluation services. Education & Advocacy: We connect the communities we serve with relevant, evidence-based information, education, training, and coalition-building tools that can help to prevent suicide and raise awareness of mental health needs. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| COVID-19 Student Response Network | 05 Oct 2022 | 00:32:45 | |
In this episode we interview Jack Elliott, Co-Founder & CEO and Phillip Black, Head of Partnerships and Network of CSRN. Originally the 'COVID-19 Student Response Network', CSRN is a non-profit set-up to help engage established student consultancies in high impact management consulting projects by connecting them with organizations driving social impact as well as the tools they need to make a difference. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Play to Grow | 09 Jun 2022 | 00:15:44 | |
In this episode we interview Nicole Hu, Founder of Play to Grow. Play to Grow is on a mission to empower underserved youth in grades K-8 through the sport of tennis. Help by donating equipment or signing up as a volunteer coach! Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Solidarity Studios Community Check-In | 02 Jun 2022 | 00:21:36 | |
In this episode we do a community check-in with Ibrahim Maali, Founder of Solidarity Studios in his new studio! Solidarity Studios is on a mission to give people the tools and resources they need to tell their story and galvanize their communities around the issues that affect them most. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Watts of Love Community Check-In | 21 Apr 2022 | 00:22:56 | |
In this episode we hear from Nancy Economou, Founder and CEO at Watts of Love, as she discusses how her organization, through global partnerships, are able to shine a light of hope and opportunity for recipients that typically get the least help.
Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
Donate: https://funraise.org/give/Watts-of-Love/5b960fb8-7c16-4a20-a7fc-7570a73cbdbd/
Phone: +1 (630) 576-1142
Email: hello@wattsoflove.org
Website: https://www.wattsoflove.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wattsoflove/
Instagram: @wattsoflove
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/watts-of-love/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/wattsoflove
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| Chicago Freedom School | 02 Sep 2021 | 00:29:47 | |
In this episode we interview Tony Alvarado-Rivera, Executive Director and Essence-Jade Gatheright, Youth Organizing Fellow at Chicago Freedom School (CFS). CFS is an organization on a mission to create new generations of critical and independent thinking young people who use their unique experiences and power to create a just world. CFS also provides training and education opportunities for youth and adult allies to develop leadership skills through the lens of civic action and through the study of the history of social movements and their leaders.
Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
Donate: https://chicagofreedomschool.org/support-us/donate/
Phone: +1 (312) 435-1201
Email: info@chicagofreedomschool.org
Website: http://chicagofreedomschool.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoFreedomSchool
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chifreeschool/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-freedom-school
YouTube: https://www.vimeo.com/chicagofreedomschool
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ChiFreeSchool
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| Celebrate Argyle // Shining a light on culture and stories of Uptown's Argyle Neighborhood | 13 May 2021 | 00:40:30 | |
Asia on Argyle is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood in Chicago’s Uptown that is home to dozens of ethnic restaurants, shops, and hidden treasures. With the recent concerns from the pandemic and a worrying trend of anti-Asian rhetoric, Nuky Pham, Hac Tran and their friends Sany Nguyen, Hoan Huynh, and Trang Truong-Hill felt compelled to start a community initiative in Celebrate Argyle to help shine a light on the businesses and people that call Argyle home to support them and keep their stories alive.
How can you help?
Visit - Visit Asia on Argyle to shop, eat and explore! Celebrate Argyle currently has a promotion with Lyft for $10 off rides to and from Argyle with code: CelebrateArgyle
Share - invite your friends and family to visit Asia on Argyle and leave reviews to help businesses in the neighborhood
Advocate - Reach out to the Celebrate Argyle founding team to learn about other opportunities to get involved with their efforts
Want to connect?
Website: https://celebrateargylechicago.com/#Co-foundingTeam
Facebook: https://facebook.com/celebrate.argyle
Instagram: https://instagram.com/celebrate.argyle
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| E151: Leveraging GenerativeAI to Empower the Nonprofit Sector | 02 Nov 2023 | 00:28:13 | |
In this episode we interview Scott Meyer, CEO at BenchmarkAI. BenchmarkAI’s mission is to make public data accessible and actionable. They help nonprofits use information from IRS tax forms - 990s - to create benchmarks to key data in the nonprofit sector. Scott explains how Benchmark AI's platform, Benchmark 990, helps users search and analyze data from nonprofit tax returns. We discuss the benefits of AI in nonprofits, including improved efficiency and productivity. Scott also shares examples of nonprofits using AI tools and discusses legal considerations. He predicts that AI will continue to transform the nonprofit sector in the future. To learn more, Scott encourages listeners to visit Benchmark 990 and try out the platform. Want to dive deep into AI? Scott also runs an awesome YouTube Channel called Chipp with bite-sized trainings and tutorials about how to use AI to improve your life! Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
Guest Information
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| He Turned Cybersecurity Into Plain English with Cyber Matters | EP. 191 | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:32:59 | |
Partner with us: https://calendly.com/gtzp/gtzp-impact-alignment | |||
| E142: Fundraising for a Cause: Strategies and Success Stories with Kavya and Nish | 31 Aug 2023 | 00:23:28 | |
In this episode we interview Kavya and Nish, Executive Board Members of Key2Finesse. Key2Finesse’s mission is to Creating Leaders for Tomorrow Key2Finesse is a student-run nonprofit organization that works towards creating leaders for tomorrow while also supporting various other nonprofits along the way. Every year we support a different nonprofit, and we have had a chance to support a variety of causes, ranging from food security with Gleaners, to financially supporting families struggling to pay mortgage and utilities while battling cancer through Angels of Hope. We are able to raise money for these nonprofits through donations and sponsorships from personal donors and businesses, and over the past 8 years we are grateful to say that we have been able to raise a total of over $430,000 for local charities and causes. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| E138: Advancing Equity through Neighbor-to-Neighbor Connections | 03 Aug 2023 | 00:32:25 | |
In this episode we interview Amy Javaid, President & CEO at A Wider Circle. A Wider Circle’s mission is to advance equity in the greater Washington, DC region by fostering the exchange of goods, skills, and connections from neighbor to neighbor, and by engaging in advocacy to address the root causes of poverty. Every year, A Wider Circle provides vital services to thousands of children and adults throughout the greater Washington, DC region. Our interrelated programs provide neighbors experiencing poverty with basic need items (including beds, furniture, and professional clothing), career development and coaching, and neighborhood-based programming. We believe that every individual, family, and community should have access to the resources they need to thrive. Since our founding in 2001, we have worked to create a region where children and adults are able to live safe, stable, and comfortable lives and have the opportunity to succeed. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| E140: The Power of Community-led Initiatives | 17 Aug 2023 | 00:40:42 | |
Luena Foundation’s mission is to serve and safeguard vulnerable children around the world by protecting their basic human rights and by fostering love, hope, strength and joy. They use the donations we receive to invest in locally-led grassroots projects and organizations whose mission is to create a more compassionate world for children everywhere. Luena believe that the people most affected by poverty and social injustice are the ones who should have both the power and resources to lead the decision-making processes that impact their communities. So they search for the local leaders… the individuals and organizations that have the indigenous knowledge and local capacity to elicit sustainable development from the inside out. By seeking out and strengthening these community-based local actors, they are changing the paradigm on poverty reduction to one of localized humanitarianism. Luena's strategy is to implement "localized humanitarianism" is project-based. The projects we take on are always brought forth by the communities themselves, and they are always deeply involved from the planning stages through the execution and later on through the follow-on analysis. Luena requires a minimum 25% community contribution, including at least 10% community cash contribution to the total financial cost of the project. When the community invests in this way, the entire project becomes more sustainable, as the community feels a greater sense of ownership in the process. Children and the communities they live in become their own agents of change. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| E113: Merging Vets & Players | 02 Feb 2023 | 00:26:15 | |
In this episode we interview Oscar Kush, Chicago Program Manager at Merging Vets & Players, a nonprofit on a mission to empower combat veterans and former professional athletes by connecting them after the uniform comes off providing them with a new team to assist with transition, promote personal development, and show them they are never alone. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation | 23 Jun 2022 | 00:25:48 | |
In this episode we interview Farhan Ahmad, Volunteer CEO of Pakistan Children’s Heart Foundation (PCHF). PCHF’s mission is to establish a state-of-the-art medical facility that provides the highest quality of care for children with heart disease, irrespective of their financial means. Since inception in 2012 and till 2021 year-end, PCHF conducted 2668 surgeries at a total cost of PKR 990 million. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center | 17 Aug 2022 | 00:34:08 | |
In this episode we interview Dan Hostetler, Executive Director of Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center. Above and Beyond is on a mission to build an individualized treatment experience that is available to anyone in need regardless of their economic status. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| E158: Refugee Resettlement in the United States | 03 Jan 2024 | 00:28:20 | |
In this episode we interview Sarah Cady, CEO at REACT DC, Inc.. REACT DC, Inc.’s mission is to provide nationwide resettlement support for sponsorship and wraparound assistance for refugees, visa holders, and parolees in the DC metro area to help newcomers thrive. We value partnerships with non-profits, businesses, and a core group of community and volunteer members supporting our mission. We're on the ground supporting refugee resettlement and helping refugees prepare to stand on their own. REACT DC was founded in September 2021 by professional military spouses and veterans with backgrounds in law, intelligence operations, military service, education, and non-profit work. We came together to assist our Afghan allies in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. Guided by core principles of empathy, fidelity, and adaptability, we are now at the forefront of innovative resettlement support operations, leading national and DC metro area programs to pilot new delivery methods, fill key gaps, and improve outcomes for refugee populations. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| E162: Empowering Youth Through Servant Leadership | 08 Feb 2024 | 00:25:31 | |
In this episode, Joseph interviews Jacque Stefanik, the Executive Director and Co-founder of Serving People with a Mission (SPM). SPM is a leadership development program that focuses on providing young people, particularly teenagers and those in their twenties, with the tools and resources to become servant leaders in their communities. Jacque explains that the mission of SPM is to seek and provide people from all walks of life with the knowledge and resources they need to make a positive impact in their communities. Jacque shares the story of how SPM was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a college student at Loyola University of Chicago at the time, Jacque felt the need to continue giving back to his community even when student organizations were unable to operate. Along with two friends, he co-founded SPM with the goal of empowering young people to become servant leaders. The core program of SPM is called the Hand in Hand Leadership Program, which focuses on mentorship, teaching the principles of servant leadership, and providing exposure to different community-based nonprofits. The program includes workshops, field trips to organizations like Loyola University of Chicago and Grant Thornton, and a philanthropy project where students are given a budget to make decisions for the greater good of their community. Jacque emphasizes the importance of teaching students fiscal responsibility and the skills needed to become successful professionals. SPM partners with various schools and organizations, including Loyola University of Chicago, Noble Schools, and Chicago Public Schools, to deliver their programs. They also have partnerships with environmental justice organizations like Plant Chicago and Grow Greater Englewood. Jacque mentions that SPM is grateful for the support of funding partners such as The Chicago Community Trust and Grace Lutheran Church and School. In terms of measuring impact, Jacque states that SPM has seen around 55 students graduate from their programs so far, with a goal of expanding their alumni network and running simultaneous programs at different schools. They also collect data through testimonials from students and parents, highlighting improvements in confidence, professionalism, and college readiness. Looking ahead, Jacque envisions SPM growing to have more staff and support to make it a full-time job for their leaders. They aim to expand their programs and partnerships, reach more schools and colleges, and continue making a positive impact in the community. To engage with SPM, Jacque invites people to visit their website, follow them on social media, subscribe to their newsletter, and consider donating financially or donating clothes. He also encourages potential partners to reach out to collaborate on promoting servant leadership and making a difference in the community. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
Guest Information
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| E141: Building Bridges to Self-Sufficiency | 24 Aug 2023 | 00:38:02 | |
In this episode we interview Amy Van Polen, CEO of Bridge Communities. Bridge Communities’s mission is to transition families facing homelessness to self-sufficiency by working with partners to provide mentoring, housing, and supportive services.Bridge Communities is a dynamic, grassroots, non-profit organization committed to transforming the lives of families facing homelessness through partnering with talented, resourceful individuals and groups in our community. Our program of housing, mentoring, and empowering families focuses on moving them towards a goal of self-sufficiency. In our 35-year history, Bridge Communities has had the honor of serving over 950 families facing homelessness in DuPage County. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Blue Water Scholarship Fund | 22 Sep 2022 | 00:35:25 | |
In this episode we interview John Curtin and Jaime Cleveland, Founders of Blue Water Scholarship Fund (BWSF). BWSF aims to introduce the next generation to the Maritime Industry and its many opportunities through merit and needs based scholarships to one of the state Maritime Academies. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| There's a Crime Scene In Her Block. She Stayed. | LaTanya Johnson & the Youth of Englewood | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:25:26 | |
A shooting happened right next door to her youth center. She closed for one day. Then she opened back up on Monday. LaTanya Johnson is the Executive Director of LaTanya and the Youth of Englewood, a 501(c)3 that has been serving children ages five and up in Inglewood, Chicago since 2013. [00:00:00] Intro
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latanya-johnson-7a202a154/ Social Listen Connect #FindYourCause #Nonprofits #Chicago #Inglewood #YouthDevelopment #CommunityImpact #501c3 #SocialImpact #GTZP #NonprofitLeadership #GreaterThanZeroPercent #CorporatePhilanthropy | |||
| Greenwood Project | 12 May 2022 | 00:22:46 | |
In this episode we interview Bevon Joseph, Executive Director of Greenwood Project. Greenwood Project’s mission is to create career pathways in the financial services industry for Black and Latinx students and find equitable and inclusive solutions for recruitment, retention, and advancement. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Boys and Girls Club | 02 Dec 2021 | 00:40:01 | |
In this episode we interview three Boys and Girls Club of America (BCGA) CEOs: Cathy Russell (Elgin Chapter), Mimi Leclair (Chicago Chapter), and Mary Ann Mahon-Huels (Union League). BCGA enables young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens and is the nation's largest building-centered, youth-focused provider of after-school programs.
Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
Donate: https://bgca.org/about-us/our-mission-story?form=donate
Phone: +1 (404) 487-5700
Email: info@bgcc.org
Website: http://www.bgca.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bgca.clubs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgca_clubs/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/boys-&-girls-clubs-of-america
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bgca
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bgca_clubs
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| E150: Rebuilding Lives: The Well of Mercy Approach | 26 Oct 2023 | 00:26:35 | |
In this episode we interview Mary Zeien, Founder/Executive Director at The Well of Mercy. The Well of Mercy provides a caring, cooperative community home environment to single women who have little or no support. The mothers are physically secure in a safe and loving environment that upholds a process of accountability, as each resident works toward personal holistic goals. They are provided with educational guidance as they work to build a poverty-free future for themselves and their families. The WOM offers holistic interventions including financial literacy mentor, educational guidance, physical well-being (diet, nutrition, exercise), emotional support. Each woman has a personal mentor who expands her world through local cultural activities such as visiting museums, attending concerts, free events, holiday celebrations etc. The women attend classes in Grief and Loss, Parent Training through Love and Logic, Domestic Violence Awareness program, and Boundaries. Through financial literacy guidance, the women learn to pay down any debt, save and invest money. The women not only receive driving lessons but many are able to purchase their first car. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| E180: Using Hip Hop to Educate 50,000+ Youth | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:33:15 | |
In this episode of the Greater Than Zero Podcast, Joseph speaks with Marlon Richardson, Executive Director of Hip Hop For Change, Inc. Based in Oakland, this nonprofit uses grassroots activism and hip hop culture to educate about socio economic injustices and advocate solutions. For over 12 years, Hip Hop For Change has reclaimed hip hop as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and employment, reaching more than 50,000 participants with programs that inspire personal growth, social justice, and workforce development. Timestamps: 00:00 – What is Hip Hop For Change and why was it created?04:15 – How did Marlon Richardson step into this movement?09:30 – Why is hip hop an effective tool for education and social justice? 16:20 – What challenges do grassroots organizations like Hip Hop For Change face? 22:55 – How are youth and marginalized communities impacted by their programs? 29:40 – How does art and culture help dismantle harmful stereotypes? 35:10 – What can listeners do right now to support Hip Hop For Change? Learn More & Support Hip Hop For Change Website: www.hiphopforchange.org Donate: Become a monthly donor – https://hiphopforchange.networkforgood.com/projects/125291-become-a-monthly-donor-today Phone: (510) 350-7730 Email: unlearn@hiphopforchange.org Instagram: www.instagram.com/hiphop4change LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hip-hop-for-change Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/61568529146858/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/hiphopforchange | |||
| E178: Impact Behavioral Health Partners | 25 Jul 2024 | 00:33:22 | |
What happens when housing, mental health, and employment come together under one mission? In this episode, Joseph Smalzer speaks with Patty Capouch and Vince Henigan of Impact Behavioral Health Partners, an organization helping people with mental illness live independently through safe housing, clinical care, and job support. Founded during the deinstitutionalization era, Impact has grown from a single building in 1988 to serving over 1,100 participants today. Patty and Vince share personal stories of why they joined this work, what “trauma-informed care” really means, and how stable housing can transform lives. Listen to Find Your Cause to learn how Impact Behavioral Health Partners is redefining mental health housing and proving that stability starts with compassion. Visit Impact Behavioral Health Partners: Visit GTZP.org to learn more. | |||
| Fashion Community Foundation | 13 Oct 2022 | 00:32:09 | |
In this episode we interview Berny Martin, Founder of Fashion Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to create the space for underprivileged young people to have an opportunity to learn practical skills in the area of fashion design, ultimately allowing for employment in an industry that very few can realize. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Bridges 2030 | 18 Nov 2022 | 00:32:28 | |
In this episode we interview Fernando Ramirez, Founder & Managing Director of Bridges 2030. Bridges 2030 is a 501(c)(3) NGO with global aspirations to support and assist disadvantaged communities. Cultivate compassion. We are a nonprofit organization (NGO) that catalyzes and educates the social impact community to support scalable and replicable projects across the globe. We accomplish this by connecting local communities with funding opportunities, technology, and the training necessary to build capacity and achieve lasting change. To ensure our mission outlives us and our impact multiplies, we empower and mobilize the next generation of changemakers. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| Stand Up For Kids // Ending the Cycle of Youth Homelessness | 11 Mar 2021 | 00:30:55 | |
In 2017, there were 16,588 homeless youth between the ages of 14-24, and now with Covid-19 those numbers could be even higher. In this episode we hear from Fred Niche, Executive Director at Stand Up for Kids and how their volunteers and staff empower homeless and at-risk youth toward lifelong personal growth, and to create in these youth a sincere belief in themselves through open, straightforward counseling, mentoring, and life-skills training.
Want to get engaged?
Website: http://www.standupforkids.org/chicago
Phone: (847) 650-6090
Email: fredk@standupforkids.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StandUpforKidsChicago
Instagram: @standupforkidschi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/standup-for-kids-chicago/about
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| Bernie's Book Bank // Reading is FUNdamental | 08 Apr 2021 | 00:36:02 | |
Helping to provide Chicago’s underserved communities with access to children’s books. In this episode we hear from Darrin Utynek CEO of Bernie’s Book Bank, as he discusses how you can get involved with helping Chicago families.
1 book for every 300 children in low-income neighborhoods
61% of homes do not have childrens books
2/3 students who cannot read proficiently by the end of the 4th grade will end up in jail or on welfare
19,393,894 BOOKS DISTRIBUTED SINCE 2009!!!
Donate Books - https://www.berniesbookbank.org/donate-books/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/berniesbookbank/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/berniesbookbank
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| Giveology | 14 Jul 2022 | 00:27:59 | |
In this episode we interview Anthony Monk, Founder and Executive Director at Giveology. Giveology is a multimedia educational resource to educate the general public about the nonprofit sector. Giveology provides information and resources about the sector’s unique challenges, the best and most efficient ways to be a philanthropist, and the organizations in the world who are already doing incredible work. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| She Quit to Give Kids With Disabilities a Team | Open Door Sports | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:29:59 | |
Sarah Albus was a college soccer player at Vanderbilt, a mom of four, and completely done with her first career when her daughter Hannah, born at 25 weeks with cerebral palsy and visual impairment, asked where her skis were. | |||
| E154: David’s Den | 01 Dec 2023 | 00:34:28 | |
In this episode we interview Alex and Moses at David’s Den. David’s Den is a one-of-a-kind 501c3 nonprofit resource in Nashville for musicians and the creative community. It is a safe space where they can get support, guidance and friendship if and when they are feeling self-destructive, having suicidal thoughts or experiencing internal pressures due to depression or other mental health matters. They champion a culture of kindness and support in our community and maintain the highest standards of caring in all that we do through nurturing, understanding, compassion and insight. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| E173: How Does Play Impact a Child's Academic Success? | 09 May 2024 | 00:26:27 | |
In this episode we interview Elizabeth Cushing, CEO at Playworks. Playworks’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play. Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children’s physical and emotional well-being. With more than 25 years of experience, the organization aims to bring out the best in every kid and hopes that one day, every child in America will get to play every day. Through direct-service coaching of youth and providing training and consultation for adults working with kids, Playworks partners with elementary schools, districts, and community-based organizations to bring games and youth development practices. With an emphasis on social, physical, and emotional skill-building, students feel included while being active and developing valuable skills needed to thrive in and out of the classroom. During the 2023-2024 school year, the nonprofit is ensuring more than 600,000 youth in over 1,300 schools and community partners experience safe and healthy play during and beyond the school day nationwide. Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
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| E169: Advocating for Aid to Reach Ukraine | 11 Apr 2024 | 00:18:26 | |
In this episode we interview Ausra Tallat-Kelpsa Di Raimondo, Board President at Blue/Yellow USA. Blue/Yellow USA's mission is to provide medical care, humanitarian, and non-lethal aid to Ukraine. Blue Yellow USA's mission is to provide non-lethal medical aid and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. They deliver aid to high-risk areas near the front line and underserved areas. The organization was founded in 2019 and is driven by a historical connection to Ukraine and a desire to support its struggle for independence and democracy. They provide non-lethal aid such as protective gear, medical equipment, and rebuilding materials. Blue Yellow USA plans to continue fulfilling needs, rebuilding infrastructure, and maintaining support in the long term. They are seeking volunteers and support from individuals and encourage advocacy to ensure aid reaches Ukraine. Takeaways
Sound Bites
Want to learn more, donate, or get engaged?
Guest Information
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