Nonprofit leadership is about balancing mission, people, and authenticity. In this inspiring episode of IMPACTability®, Frank Bartoli, founder and CEO of PA Inclusive, shares his journey from father and advocate to leader of a thriving nonprofit.
Frank opens up about the challenges of staffing shortages, the shifting culture of volunteerism, and why authenticity is the most important leadership trait. He also reveals the surprising success of Coffee Inclusive—a social enterprise employing people with disabilities that has become a model for community engagement.
From organizational design and Board responsibilities to evolving fundraising strategies, Frank offers invaluable insight for nonprofit leaders, staff, and Board members alike.
Whether you’re facing staffing struggles, engaging volunteers, or seeking new ways to stay mission-driven, this episode is packed with lessons for leading with heart and strategy.
Prefer video? Watch the full episode on YouTube, https://youtu.be/nfWMofU-nwI
Standout Quotes
- “It’s harder to recruit engaged volunteers. The culture of people is really changing.” — on today’s biggest nonprofit challenge (18:36)
- “Nonprofit CEOs need to be very well versed in organizational design.” — on what leaders must master to succeed (29:27)
- “Authenticity is key to our success.” — on the most important leadership trait (39:51)
Chapters & Timestamps
- 00:00 – Welcome & Frank’s Journey to Nonprofit Leadership
- 04:32 – Inclusion in Action: Understanding IDD Services
- 10:09 – What Inspires the Work: Lessons from Family & Community
- 14:09 – The Realities of Nonprofit Leadership
- 18:36 – Staffing Shortages & Volunteer Engagement Challenges
- 25:29 – Coffee Inclusive: A Nonprofit Success Story
- 29:27 – Essential Advice for Nonprofit CEOs & Boards
- 36:16 – Fundraising Trends & the Power of Authenticity
- 41:21 – Boundaries, Training, and Final Takeaways
Guest Bio
Frank Bartoli is the founder and CEO of PA Inclusive and Coffee Inclusive, organizations dedicated to building inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities. With more than 30 years in nonprofit leadership—including roles with The Arc, the YMCA, and multiple Boards—Frank has consistently championed innovation and community engagement.
Inspired by his daughter Ellie, who has Down Syndrome, Frank created PA Inclusive to ensure that people with disabilities can live and work in truly inclusive communities. Under his leadership, Coffee Inclusive has become a successful social enterprise, training and employing people with disabilities while reshaping perceptions in the community.
Frank has also served on the Governor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities and continues to advocate nationally for authentic leadership and inclusion. His journey offers nonprofit leaders practical lessons on staffing, fundraising, Board engagement, and the power of authenticity in driving real change.
Resource Mentioned
- Asking (book) by Jerold Panas: https://www.amazon.com/Asking-Minute-Everything-Volunteers-Secure/dp/1889102323
Learn More & Connect:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-bartoli
- Facebook (PA Inclusive): https://www.facebook.com/PAInclusive
- Facebook (Coffee Inclusive): https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeInclusive
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeeinclusive
- Websites: https://frankbartoli.com | https://painclusive.org | https://coffeeinclusive.org
Love What You Heard? Help Us Grow!
Subscribe to our channel on your favorite podcast app. For more nonprofit leadership insights, and visit https://soukupstrategicsolutions.com to learn how we help nonprofits thrive with strategic consulting and outsourcing support.