Shows
Giving VoicesUnCharitable Movie Discussion with Rick Peck, The Philanthropy GuyWhy does the American public punish nonprofits for spending money? Why do we, as a society, apply different operating and economic standards to charitable entities than we do to commercial businesses? Rick Peck, independent philanthropy advisor with Richard C. Peck Consulting, LLC and founder of The Philanthropy Guy, LLC, joins me in discussing the full-length documentary film, UnCharitable, that aims to answer exactly those questions and more. Pop the popcorn, pour a drink, and consider this double standard and our observations about it's perpetuated. Even if you haven't watched the movie...2025-02-0432 min
Giving VoicesMeaningful Moments: Deborah Goldstein, Founder and Principal of Enlightened PhilanthropyDeborah Goldstein and I cover the map today, going deep into a discussion about 'meaningful moments,' what is meant by the term 'philanthropic journey,' and how the word 'burden' is sometimes applied to the concept of philanthropy 2025-01-2040 min
Giving VoicesComplementary Forces for Good: John Farnam & Paul HeitzenraterJohn Farnam and Paul Heitzenrater describe the myriad ways they engage with their community (Denver) from collecting and donating socks and suitcases, growing and giving away fresh produce, to chairing galas that raise $1 million. Their combined generosity of time, treasure, talent (and ties and testimony) fulfills both urgent and basic needs as well as addresses systemic issues, even as they each approach philanthropy differently. In this episode, they share personal experiences that inform both their individual and joint perspectives. We all can learn something from these two beautiful humans and their embodiment of the literal meaning of the word...2024-12-1035 min
Giving VoicesBecause of Relationships: Valerie Kind-Rubin, Managing Trustee, Patricia Kind Family FoundationValerie Kind-Rubin is simultaneously a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife, an aunt, a sister-in-law, and Managing Trustee of the Patricia Kind Family Foundation. Patience, humility, and her careful attention to and passion for relationships contribute to her success in navigating the complexity of being both a family member and the executive leader of the private foundation her mom founded in 1996. In this episode, Valerie describes her challenges, satisfaction, and joy in helping the foundation face and agree on a decision about its future. Bonus: Shame on us - at the beginning of our...2024-11-2623 min
Giving VoicesSeason 2 Opener: MusingsWelcome Back, Giving Voices Community!In the Season 2 opener, I'm musing on the history of the word "philanthropy," attempts to break down that concept by applying the 5 Ts - globally understood to be Time, Talent, Treasure, Ties and Testimony - and on the importance of storytelling as a method for building understanding about philanthropy and the social sector. Bonus: For more about these topics, check out these resources referenced throughout the episode.The University of Kent Special Collections & Archives blog post, "The History of Philanthropy"The Milken Institute's blog post, "Considering Y...2024-11-1910 min
Giving VoicesEveryone is a Philanthropist: Sara Lomelin, CEO of Philanthropy Together“Giving Circles are not cute,” is just one of several strong points that Sara Lomelin, CEO of Philanthropy Together makes today. Sara shares her journey from being a Catholic schoolgirl in Mexico to now leading and advocating for the global movement of collective giving, a movement “by the people, for the people,” that – in the last 6 years – has moved $3.1 billion through 4,000 giving circles. You’re wrong if you think that you can’t be a philanthropist, and Sara will explain just why and how that is in this powerful episode. Bonus: Several resources...2024-06-1133 min
Giving VoicesPhilanthropy Matchmaker: Erinn Andrews, Founder & CEO of Give TeamEntrepreneur Erinn Andrews, Founder & CEO of Give Team, shares her insights, research, and observations about the philanthropists we don’t usually hear about: donors giving between $10,000 - $50,000 annually (versus millions and billions every year). Her enthusiasm and passion for the social sector is abundant and is showcased in this conversation where she explains Give Team’s approach and offers guidance to those seeking to be more intentional and thoughtful about how we distribute our charitable dollars. Bonus: Erinn referenced several resources that philanthropists – of any amount and interest – may find helpful in researching and exploring nonprofits...2024-05-2833 min
Giving VoicesHeritage: Chuck Knabusch, Trustee of Edward M. and Henrietta M. Knabusch Charitable Trusts 1 and 2The words “heritage,” “humble,” and “help” are on repeat as Chuck Knabusch shares stories of the founding, history, and spending down of the Edward M. and Henrietta M. Knabusch Charitable Trust established by his grandfather. The foundation was set up to last only 30 years and, at the airing of this episode, is in its final months. Bonus: Here’s a little more history of La-Z-Boy, the furniture company Edward M. Knabusch, Chuck’s grandfather, founded with his cousin in 1927. It’s still located in Monroe, MI, the community in which it was established and that is the primary focu...2024-05-1425 min
50, NOT DEADUnveiling the Philanthropic Journey with Stefanie Borsari I had the pleasure of welcoming Stefanie Borsari, the principal and founder of Stefanie Borsari Consulting, to the show. Stefanie's expertise lies in philanthropic advisory services, making her a valuable guest for our discussion. As a dear friend and partner, I was excited to get into her insights on guiding philanthropists and their advisors through critical decision-making moments in their giving journey. She highlights the transformative power of helping clients visualize their best selves and align their actions with their values. Stefanie reflects on her own journey, particularly her transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, dr...2024-05-0128 min
Giving VoicesBecause it’s the Right Thing To Do: LJ Borsari, Gen ZMuch has been studied and written about Generation Z, commonly considered to encompass those born between the mid-1990s (around 1995) to the mid-2010s (around 2010 or 2012). Whether any of what has been written is true I don't know, but I do agree with previous guest Emily Goodstein's assessment that "all the wisdom in the world is held by girls." Here is one such girl, LJ Borsari, who shares some of her thoughts about systemic issues and how philanthropy can be “the thing” that everyone can and should engage in to help solve those issues. (Full disclosure: LJ is my teenag...2024-04-2317 min
Giving VoicesCommunications for the Greater Good: Emily Goodstein, CEO/Founder of Greater Good StrategyFounder + CEO of Greater Good Strategy Emily Goodstein joins Giving Voices in today’s episode that centers around the theme of communication. We cover all manner of topics ranging from our mutual disappointment in the results of Exponent Philanthropy’s survey, “How Grantees Think Funders Should Improve” to whether Pinterest is still relevant, with lots of personal nuggets and professional observations in between. Bonus: Here's that report from Exponent Philanthropy: How Grantees Think Funders Should Improve. What do you think? Drop me a line at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com!Do you have a story to share...2024-04-0933 min
Giving VoicesThe Why and the How of the End: Featuring Tom Donley and Jenny ConveyTrustees from two generations of the sunsetting Donley Foundation, Tom Donley and Jenny Convey, speak frankly about the history, evolution, and decision to dissolve their family’s foundation. In just over one year following the board’s decision to spend-down, the assets were distributed, and the foundation closed. They’re honest, direct, reflective, and generous in sharing their experience and perspectives on helping to shepherd the next phase of the family’s philanthropy.Bonus: Here are some excerpts from the brochure Tom mentions at the end of the episode: Jim Collins’ Good to Great and the Social...2024-03-2640 min
Giving VoicesAgog About Governance: Mary Phillips, Founder & Senior Advisor of GMA FoundationsWhat do stories about a rug, a cat, and the minister of a Congregational church have in common, and what do they have to do with philanthropy? You’ll understand once you hear Mary Phillips, founder and senior advisor of GMA Foundations, one of the country’s first philanthropic advisory firms, help explain myriad governance options for private foundations. If you’re contemplating starting a private foundation, this is a MUST LISTEN as you move forward! Bonus: Mary spotlights one of her favorite professional stories – that being her early experience with a funder who desired to improv...2024-03-1239 min
Giving VoicesTrust: A conversation with Danielle Scott, President & CEO of the Pincus Family FoundationHello, Giving Voices Community! Join Danielle Scott and me as we reflect on her 26-year path to leading the Pincus Family Foundation as its first-ever President & CEO. With her trademark grace and vulnerability, Danielle highlights moments of growth and truth in working with the foundation, including her experience as a Black leader in the philanthropy sector, and reveals what she and the foundation are currently ‘in the middle of.’ Bonus: Here's a beautiful example of the trust-based philanthropy Danielle references. This article, "A case study in lever...2024-02-2729 min
Giving VoicesTwo Friends Talking: featuring Steve Jakab, VP and Chief Development Officer of Yale New Haven HospitalGreetings, Giving Voices community! Listen-in on my coffee chat with my longtime friend, Stephen Jakab. As has been typical throughout our friendship, we cover a lot of territory! With personal and professional observations and anecdotes, Steve talks about family legacy, describes a new joint philanthropic initiative connecting three generations of Jakabs, and shares a recent conversation with his son about meaningful engagement in the social change sector. Bonus: Here's the Smithsonian Magazine article that Steve references that defines philanthropy as "recognizing and supporting the humanity of oth...2024-02-1229 min
Women on Wealth, By Women For WomenWomen and PhilanthropyIn this episode, we delve into the world of philanthropy with Stefanie Borsari, founder of Stefanie Borsari Consulting. We explore the role of a philanthropic advisor, why it holds special significance for women, and how it intertwines with long-term planning and legacy planning. Show Highlights:What is a philanthropic advisor (4:06)Why philanthropy is important to women (5:28)Definition of philanthropy (6:49)How it fits in an overall plan (8:20)Leaving a legacy (12:08)Collaborative giving (13:56)How to measure the impact (16:09)How philanthropy can reduce tax liability (18:39)Common challenges (19:45)How to get m...2023-12-0633 min
Giving VoicesStory Behind the Stories: Inaugural EpisodeWelcome to the “Giving Voices” community! In this episode, I share the origin of this new podcast series, which features stories told by and about philanthropists. You’ll hear a bit about me (your host) and how “Giving Voices” evolved from a passion project concept to the development and production of a full-fledged show. My intention is to foster connections among stakeholders in the social change sector -- which is all of us, isn't it? -- by making philanthropy concepts and practice generally more accessible through discussions with donors and sector professionals.Tune in to the St...2023-10-1808 min