Giving Done Right

What happens when $2.83 billion disappears from women's rights funding globally? Conversely, what is possible when donors break out of traditional silos to work collaboratively with the goal of abundance and liberation for all? Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette talk with Happy Mwende Kinyili, co-executive director of global feminist fund Mama Cash to explore this unprecedented crisis — and discover surprising reasons for hope. Happy shares powerful stories from Kenya to Argentina, explaining how participatory grantmaking creates lasting change and why "the people who've gotten us into this mess aren't going to get us out of it." For donors feeling overwhelmed by massive global needs or the frustrating retrenchments of recent years, Happy offers their own mother's wisdom: "Don't try to do everything, do something." Learn how small actions can have huge impact, why trust-based philanthropy works, and how co-leadership models are reshaping organizations. Additional Resources Mama Cash Green Girls Platform Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction Urgent Action Fund Mark Suzman on the Giving Done Right Podcast CEP’s Three Year Study on the Impact of MacKenzie Scott’s Large, Unrestricted Gifts

As federal funding cuts shift more responsibility for food insecurity to local communities, Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette talk with Julie Butner, president and CEO of the Tarrant Area Food Bank, one of the largest food banks in the United States serving 13 counties around Fort Worth, Texas. Julie reveals that food bank clients are often working families who simply can't afford basic necessities and explains how modern food banks have evolved far beyond emergency food distribution to address root causes through healthcare partnerships, nutrition education, and community gardens. This eye-opening conversation challenges common misconceptions about who needs food assistance and addresses debates about the roles of government and private philanthropy. Julie also offers practical guidance on how donors can make the greatest impact, whether through volunteering, financial support, or advocacy. Additional Resources Tarrant Area Food Bank  United for ALICE data Feeding America food bank locator

The dismantling of USAID has created the most profound crisis in international development in decades, threatening to reverse years of progress in public health globally. In the season five premier of Giving Done Right, Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette talk with Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, about what this means and how donors can respond. Suzman also shares candid insights about the Gates Foundation's work, including its evolving strategy and Bill Gates' recent announcement committing to spending down $200+ billion in assets by 2045. He offers advice to donors on making a difference in large-scale, global efforts, shares why "one of the huge comparative advantages of philanthropy is being able to take a little bit of risk," and speaks to the role of AI in programs from math education to innovative HIV prevention. Additional Resources Gates Philanthropy Partners CARE Save the Children UNICEF Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria Friends of the Global Fight The End Fund YouthTruth YouthTruth report, “Making Sense of Learning Math: Insights From the Student Experience” The Gates Foundation’s announcement about spending down

As shifts to federal policy and funding profoundly impact domestic nonprofits and civil society as well as international aid, it has never been more vital that donors act decisively, urgently, and wisely.    This season, on the Giving Done Right podcast, hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette dive deep with philanthropic and nonprofit leaders and experts to shed light on the rapidly shifting landscape of need and the crucial but complex role of charitable giving in filling critical gaps. They’ll tackle pressing questions many donors are grappling with right now, from how to think about their giving as key government institutions and social safety nets are dismantled, to how everyday donors can effectively support democratic institutions. Follow along with season five of Giving Done Right for crucial, informative, and uplifting conversations about how to make your charitable giving as effective – and joyful — as it can be.

Nashlie Sephus, Ph.D. brought her passion for technology and experience as an entrepreneur back to her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi to bridge the technology gap and plant the seeds for a thriving community. Nashlie joins Phil and Grace in the season four finale to share how the nonprofit she founded, Bean Path, went from informal drop-in hours at the local library to a vital community organization with event spaces, expert-taught courses, and a growing track record of success in helping people of all ages gain essential tech skills. Nashlie also shares what surprised her about moving from the business world to running a nonprofit and offers advice for other donors with a vision. Additional Resources The Bean Path Praxis Society of Women Engineers

Philanthropy has been the subject of intensifying criticism, so how should donors think about their role in creating a better world? Beth Breeze, Ph.D., director of the Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Kent, has spent more than a decade examining and responding to critiques of philanthropy, most recently authoring the 2021 book, “In Defence of Philanthropy.” In conversation with Phil and Grace, she makes the case that the critics are largely getting it wrong, overlooking the positive results of giving and the unique role that civil society and nonprofits play in any thriving democracy. Additional Resources In Defence of Philanthropy by Beth Breeze University of Kent Centre for Philanthropy Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand Giridharadas Munk Debate on Billionaire Philanthropy: Rob Reich vs. Beth Breeze The Roddick Foundation Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe

As we begin a new year, we’re sharing a classic from the Giving Done Right archive in which Phil and Grace talk with Paul Niehaus, co-founder and chairman of GiveDirectly. Paul discusses the power of direct cash transfers – how they work, why trusting those in need with cash can be extremely effective, and when certain issue areas might warrant a different philanthropic approach. They also discuss the effective altruism movement and how to consider giving domestically versus internationally. Additional Resources GiveDirectly Cash transfer research via GiveDirectly GiveWell The Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically by Peter Singer Universal Basic Income project in Kenya

From his days as mayor of San Antonio, Texas to serving as a Cabinet Secretary under former President Barack Obama to leading the nation's largest Latino-serving foundation, Julián Castro has always sought to create positive change in people's lives. As CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, Julián joins Phil and Grace to discuss his vision for a thriving Latino community in the U.S., sharing how philanthropy can enhance civic engagement and improve educational, health, and employment outcomes for Latinos. They also delve into the implications of the 2024 election results, including the shift rightward among at least a segment of Latino voters, the incoming Trump administration’s potential implementation of mass deportations, and challenges to the nonprofit sector broadly including proposed legislation in Congress. Additional Resources Latino Community Foundation UnidosUS  H.R.9495 - Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act

Jeff and Tricia Raikes, co-founders of the Raikes Foundation, join Phil and Grace to share their path to philanthropy, their focus on creating supportive systems and fostering belonging for youth, and their belief in proximity and partnership with both nonprofits and beneficiaries of their funding. They discuss what they learned as they transitioned to full-time philanthropy and how donors can avoid common pitfalls. Phil and Jeff also debate the merits of comparing giving to investing. Additional Resources Raikes Foundation CEP’s Grantee Perception Report YouthTruth Giving Compass’ Learning Center CEP’s Resources for Individual Donors Solidaire Network Women Donors Network Find your local community foundation

Stephen Heintz, president and CEO of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, joins Phil and Grace to discuss the results of the 2024 presidential election, whether there is merit to the argument of journalist Ezra Klein and others that certain nonprofit organizations are having an outsized impact on the Democratic party, the role of nonprofits in a functioning democracy, and what it will take to rebuild trust across ideological divides. Stephen offers insight into the long-term, community-based work he believes will help nurture civic engagement and bolster democracy, suggesting both where donors can give as well as actions they can take. He also shares the story behind the Rockefeller Brothers Fund decision to be a leader in the movement to divest from fossil fuels, and the unexpected ripple effects that created. Additional Resources When Will Democrats Learn to Say No? by Adam Jentleson in the New York Times The End of the Obama Coalition - Michael Lind on The Ezra Klein Show “The New Class War: Saving Democracy from the Managerial Elite” by Michael Lind Ezra Klein on Where Democrats Go From Here - Pod Save America  Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century American Academy of Arts and Sciences Brennan Center for Justice Dēmos Eric Liu on Revitalizing Faith in American Democracy - The Giving Done Right Podcast Citizen University Habits of the Heart and Mind: How to Fortify Civic Culture Trust for Civic Life

Father-daughter duo Mike Bontrager and Stephanie Almanza join Phil and Grace to share their approach to building both for-profit and nonprofit ventures in their local community that are rooted in trust, partnership, and shared goals. Mike offers insight into how he found success in the financial industry by putting trust ahead of profit and how that principle has informed his philanthropic and entrepreneurial ventures in his hometown of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The two also discuss how they chose to invest locally and the way they work in partnership with other community nonprofits, city government, and their neighbors to help build a thriving community. Additional Resources Square Roots Collective Voices Underground Project Praxis Labs The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America’s Soul From the Revolution to the Civil War by Andrew Delbanco The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

What can donors do to address the seemingly intractable problem of homelessness? Susan Thomas, president of the Melville Charitable Trust, joins Phil and Grace to discuss the systems and barriers in place in the U.S. that result in well over a half million unhoused Americans. Susan draws on her own personal and familial story as well as decades of experience, arguing that homelessness and structural racism are intrinsically linked, both historically and today. Additional Resources Melville Charitable Trust The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap by Mehrsa Baradaran The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee Listen to “Heather McGhee on the Zero Sum Lie” on the Giving Done Right podcast

Phil and Grace invite their CEP colleagues Elisha Smith Arrillaga and Kevin Bolduc to the recording studio for a candid and lively conversation that covers nonprofit-donor relationships, big gifts, trust in philanthropy, and the challenges facing nonprofits right now. The four bring their considerable collective experience and CEP’s data-based insights to bear on crucial questions like how donors can best support the causes they believe in, what everyday donors can learn from MacKenzie Scott’s approach to giving, how to think about trust in donor-nonprofit relationships, how to be an effective nonprofit board member, and more. For donors looking to embrace nuance and up their giving ‘game,’ this episode is a must-listen. Additional Resources State of Nonprofits 2024: What Funders Need to Know CEP’s research on the impact of MacKenzie Scott’s giving: “Giving Big: The Impacts of Large, Unrestricted Gifts on Nonprofits” and “Emerging Impacts: The Effects of MacKenzie Scott’s Large, Unrestricted Gifts” More CEP research Trust-Based Philanthropy Project Candid’s insights on nonprofit leadership demographics Resources on board effectiveness from BoardSource CEP’s Grantee Perception Report and other assessments

Nearly everyone will age or be in a caregiving role for aging relatives at some point in their life, yet relatively few major donors or foundations make aging an explicit priority. In this episode, Phil and Grace discuss the importance of enabling everyone to age with dignity with Ramsey Alwin, president and CEO of the National Council on Aging, and Chad Federwitz, manager of Pitkin County Senior Services in Aspen, Colorado. Ramsey and Chad offer insight into the numerous opportunities for donors to support aging programs, from research and advocacy to local community efforts and discuss the vital role that senior centers and community programs play.  Additional Resources National Council on Aging (NCOA) Grantmakers in Aging Information on the Older Americans Act for advocates Eldercare Locator - find services for older adults and their families

What role do leaders play in the success of nonprofits and how can donors better support effective nonprofit leaders? Phil and Grace chat with Yolanda Coentro, president and CEO of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice about her own journey to leadership and the unique set of challenges that nonprofit leaders face. They also discuss funding dynamics that prioritize programs over people, burnout, and the role of identity as a leader. Additional Resources Institute for Nonprofit Practice (INP) The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros Fund the People CEP’s State of Nonprofits 2024: What Funders Need to Know Find CEP’s reports on grantmaker responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and greater focus on racial equity here.  Trust-Based Philanthropy Project

What happens when you give cash to those in need? In this episode, Phil and Grace discuss direct cash transfers in conversation with Jesús Gerena, president and CEO of UpTogether. Jesús shares insight into how individuals who receive cash transfers invest in themselves, their families, and their communities. Jesús, Grace, and Phil consider attitudes of paternalism and mistrust of the poor among donors. They also discuss related concepts and ideas such as basic income movements and effective altruism. Additional Resources UpTogether The Urban Institute’s evaluation of the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot Center for Guaranteed Income Research at the University of Pennsylvania GiveDirectly CEP’s research on the impact of MacKenzie Scott’s giving

Could AI help us tackle intractable social problems and create a more just and equitable world? Vilas Dhar, president and trustee of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, believes so. In this episode, Phil and Grace ask Vilas about his vision for how AI can play a pivotal role in promoting equity. Vilas makes the case that now is the time for philanthropy and donors to step in, ensuring that the technology is built ethically. Phil and Grace address many of the fears and hesitations donors may have about AI with Vilas, and learn about the McGovern Foundation’s work to equip nonprofits with AI tools to magnify their impact. Additional Resources Patrick J McGovern Foundation Vilas Dhar on the CEP blog: Consumers to Creators: Philanthropy and Nonprofits Can Build AI for Impact

How can donors support a revitalization of civic engagement and a renewed commitment to democratic citizenship? Eric Liu, co-founder CEO of Citizen University, joins Phil and Grace to discuss the crisis in civic faith, our individual power to effect positive change in our communities, and the importance of supporting literacy in power. He also exhorts donors to recognize that democracy and citizenship go beyond electoral politics, addresses the difficult question of when to engage in bridging and when it may be unproductive, and speaks to the importance of inviting youth into the conversation. Additional Resources Citizen University You’re More Powerful Than You Think: A Citizen’s Guide to Making Change Happen by Eric Liu Whitney Kimball Coe, Director of National Programs, Center for Rural Strategies, The Aspen Institute  Report: Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century Report: Youth Civic Empowerment: Insights from the Student Experience Report: Habits of Heart and Mind: How to Fortify Civic Culture

Long Family Foundation Executive Director Vivian Long joins Phil and Grace to discuss her family’s approach to giving together, navigating intergenerational philanthropic priorities, and the long-term commitment from funders that true transformation requires. Vivian also addresses the Long Family Foundation’s approach to building close relationships with grantees and their focus on the “how” of giving. She also shares her family’s story of humble beginnings and her own path to leadership at the family foundation, and the surprises that came with it.  Additional Resources The Long Family Foundation CEP’s Overlooked reports on the experience of AAPI nonprofit leaders and Native American nonprofit leaders with funders: Overlooked, Part One and Overlooked, Part Two The Science of Productive Conflict | WorkLife with Adam Grant Starfish Project

President of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker joins Phil and Grace for a conversation about bold philanthropic leadership, inequality, and the importance of investing in institutions that fight for justice. On the heels of his announcement that he will be stepping down, Darren also reflects on accomplishments and regrets from his tenure. In addition, Phil and Darren offer their different takes on whether “philanthropic pluralism” is really under threat. Additional Resources: Ford Foundation “We Disagree on Many Things, but We Speak with One Voice in Support of Philanthropic Pluralism,” op-ed in The Chronicle of Philanthropy by Darren Walker and others “Who Is Threatening ‘Philanthropic Freedom’” by Phil Buchanan, a response to the above op-ed “Finding Philanthropy’s Forgotten Founder” by Darren Walker