Giving Done Right

Get Curious and Stay the Course: Advice for Donors from Philanthropists Jeff and Tricia Raikes

Dec 12, 2024

Jeff Raikes, former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Tricia Raikes, co-founder of the Raikes Foundation, share their inspiring journey into philanthropy. They emphasize the importance of proximity to beneficiaries and learning from personal stories. The couple offers key advice for new philanthropists, suggesting a view of giving as an investment in societal change. They stress the need for collaboration in education and highlight the value of curiosity and adaptability for impactful philanthropy.

44:20

Episode guests

Tricia Raikes

Jeff Raikes

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Jeff and Tricia Raikes emphasize the importance of engaging with beneficiaries to inform effective philanthropic decisions and foster meaningful impact.

Their personal experiences and commitment to youth-oriented support highlight the need for building inclusive systems that promote belonging and well-being.

Deep dives

Philanthropic Backgrounds of Jeff and Trisha Rakes

Jeff Rakes shares his unconventional journey to philanthropy, originating from a farming background in Nebraska. Life lessons learned in rural America, like hard work and integrity, shaped his commitment to social justice during his time at Stanford. His career path included significant roles at Microsoft and the Gates Foundation, where he developed a deep understanding of catalytic philanthropy. This experience reinforced his belief in investing resources towards addressing societal issues such as racism and inequality.

Intro

2min

Philanthropy Through Personal Stories

17min

Navigating Philanthropy: From Hesitation to Impact

7min

Navigating the Metaphors of Philanthropy

3min

Collaborative Philanthropy in Education

10min

The Importance of Curiosity and Adaptability in Philanthropy

2min

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.