Giving Done Right

Donors looking to make a difference in their local communities can turn to community foundations — local philanthropic institutions driven by giving “of, by, and for the people” and rooted in the goal of creating thriving communities. In this episode, Phil and Grace are joined in conversation by three community foundation leaders: Dick Ober, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, LaTida Smith, president of the Winston-Salem Foundation, and Alesha Washington, president and CEO of the Seattle Foundation.  In sharing their experiences and approaches, these CEOs encourage donors to embrace their power to engage and effect change in their own community. They reflect on thorny issues including working across ideological lines, supporting often under-appreciated nonprofits and their staff, and the proliferation of giving options for donors. They also explore how to ensure money doesn't sit in institutions, but gets out the door to organizations working in communities. Additional Resources: CEP Report: What Donors Value: How Community Foundations Can Increase Donor Satisfaction, Referrals, and Future Giving Community Foundation Locator, by Council on Foundations Winston-Salem Foundation Seattle Foundation New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Data on Declining U.S. Donor Participation, from the Lily Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University CEP Reports: State of Nonprofits 2025, 2024, and 2023

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 ResourcesThe Bean PathPraxisSociety 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 ResourcesIn Defence of Philanthropy by Beth BreezeUniversity of Kent Centre for PhilanthropyWinners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand GiridharadasMunk Debate on Billionaire Philanthropy: Rob Reich vs. Beth BreezeThe Roddick FoundationEmpire 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 ResourcesGiveDirectlyCash transfer research via GiveDirectlyGiveWellThe Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically by Peter SingerUniversal Basic Income project in Kenya

Julián Castro, the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and current CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, shares his insights on fostering a thriving Latino community in the U.S. He discusses the critical role of philanthropy in enhancing civic engagement, especially amid shifting political landscapes. Castro also delves into the complexities of Latino voting patterns post-election and the urgent need for coalition-building. He emphasizes the importance of advocacy and resilience within Latino communities to navigate upcoming challenges.

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.