Research That Matters Podcast explores the latest research shaping the nonprofit sector and civil society. Each episode draws from peer-reviewed articles published in the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation (JoNI) and translates research into practical, accessible insights for nonprofit leaders, board members, and practitioners. Covering topics such as AI, governance, transparency, digital safety, and innovation, the podcast bridges research and real-world impact. Articles featured can be found at scholarsarchive.byu.edu/joni.
E26: Utilizing Supervised Practice in School Settings - An Opportunity to Increase Student Awareness of Food Waste Reduction Strategies
In this article from the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation, we explore how supervised practice in school settings can serve as a powerful tool for addressing one of today’s most pressing public health and sustainability challenges—food waste. Drawing on the Utah State University Master of Dietetics Administration (USU MDA) program, the study highlights how experiential learning enables dietetic students to actively engage in real-world interventions that both reduce waste and increase student awareness .
The article outlines four key strategies used in school settings: recipe development to improve food appeal, nutrition promotion events with taste testing, classroom-based nutrition education, and plate waste studies that generate actionable data. These approaches not only help reduce the significant levels of food waste seen in school cafeterias—estimated between 27% and 53%—but also influence long-term dietary behaviors among students. For example, simple changes in food preparation, such as roasting vegetables, significantly increased student selection and acceptance, demonstrating the importance of sensory appeal in driving consumption.
Beyond the classroom, the article emphasizes the broader implications for nonprofit and public sector collaboration. By integrating food waste reduction into education, programming, and community partnerships, organizations can contribute to national sustainability goals while promoting healthier eating habits. Ultimately, this research demonstrates how combining education, data, and hands-on practice can create scalable, evidence-based solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
This podcast episode was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool, to create an accessible audio discussion based on the research presented in this article.
2 May 2026
E25: Rethinking NGO Sustainability
In this episode, we explore research from the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation that challenges one of the most deeply held assumptions in the nonprofit sector—that sustainability is primarily about funding. Drawing on global trends and real-world examples, this thought paper reveals how increasing volatility in traditional funding streams, shifting donor behavior, and reliance on short-term or reactive giving are forcing nonprofits to rethink how they operate and sustain their impact .
Rather than focusing solely on financial capital, the episode introduces a powerful framework built around multiple resource types—financial, material, human, knowledge, and network resources—anchored by a critical sixth element: relational capital, or trust. We break down how each of these resource types contributes to long-term sustainability and how nonprofits can intentionally design their organizations to leverage a more diverse and resilient mix of support. From volunteer-driven models and in-kind partnerships to data-driven decision-making and collaborative networks, the discussion highlights how many of the most impactful resources are often overlooked.
The episode also reimagines the role of nonprofit boards, emphasizing their potential to contribute far beyond financial oversight by activating their networks, expertise, and relationships. Ultimately, this research reframes sustainability as the strategic orchestration of resources—not just the pursuit of funding—and offers practical insights for nonprofit leaders looking to build more adaptive, collaborative, and trust-centered organizations.
This podcast episode was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool, to create an accessible audio discussion based on the research presented in this article.
2 May 2026
E24: Study on Nonprofit Top Struggles - Why More Money Won't Save Nonprofits
In this episode, we explore research from the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation that takes a closer look at what nonprofit leaders themselves say are their biggest challenges—and the results may challenge common assumptions. While funding and financial sustainability are the most frequently cited struggles, this study of 77 nonprofit leaders reveals a deeper and more complex reality . Through a qualitative analysis with descriptive quantification, the research distinguishes between what leaders say is a challenge and what actually prevents them from taking action.
We unpack how capacity-related issues—such as board governance, staffing shortages, compliance burdens, operational systems, and leadership bandwidth—often emerge as the most immediate barriers to progress, even when funding dominates the conversation. The episode walks through the study’s three analytical lenses, showing how frequency, sequencing, and capacity-focused analysis reveal different layers of nonprofit struggle. This systems-level perspective suggests that funding challenges are often downstream symptoms of deeper capacity gaps.
For nonprofit leaders, funders, and practitioners, this episode highlights a critical shift in thinking: solving nonprofit challenges requires more than financial support—it requires strengthening the underlying capacity that enables organizations to effectively use resources. We also explore how AI-enabled tools and training programs can serve as capacity multipliers, helping nonprofits reduce administrative burden, improve operations, and ultimately increase their ability to achieve sustainable impact.
This podcast episode was generated using NotebookLM, an AI tool, to create an accessible audio discussion based on the research presented in this article.
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