Is it innovation if it doesn’t have sustainability built in?

That’s the bold question at the heart of this conversation between your host, Dave Raley, and guest Becky Straw, Co-Founder and CEO of The Adventure Project.

Together, they challenge the nonprofit sector’s obsession with short-term wins and one-time donations, and make the case for deeper, more sustainable change. 

Drawing on Becky’s early work with charity: water and her decade-plus leading The Adventure Project, this episode explores how job creation, dignity, and recurring giving can reframe how we approach generosity and build true sustainability.

Key Topics They Cover:

1. Redefining Sustainability in the Nonprofit Sector

• Why “walking away” should be possible – and desirable – when programs are truly sustainable

• The failure of water projects without local ownership and ongoing maintenance

2. The Power of Job Creation as a Sustainable Solution

• The dignity of work vs. the danger of dependency

• The role of social enterprise and VC-like support models at The Adventure Project

3. Growing Sustainable Giving Through Innovation and Trust

• Monthly and multi-year giving as long-term impact tools

• How a women-focused quiz generated $40K in donations and recurring support

4. Experiencing and Modeling the Joy of Generosity

• Childhood lessons in service and generosity

• The importance of modeling generosity for the next generation

5. Applying Social Work Principles to Nonprofit Leadership

• Listening to communities and building with – not for – them
• Combining empathy with operational excellence Social Work Principles to Nonprofit Leadership