David Gottfried, Founder of the U.S. Green Building Council, World Green Building Council

In Episode 134 of the Charity Charge Show, host Stephen Garten sits down with David Gottfried, founder of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the World Green Building Council, and the architect behind the LEED green building rating system. What begins as a conversation about sustainable buildings quickly expands into something much deeper. It becomes a straight talking roadmap for nonprofit leaders who are trying to build something that feels larger than their budget, their team, or the confidence they have at this moment.

Gottfried takes listeners into the early days of USGBC, the doubt that nearly stopped the movement, and the stubborn persistence required to turn a simple idea into a global force. The episode is part biography, part masterclass, and part call to action for founders who know their work matters but feel the weight of the climb.

What is 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.