Giving Done Right

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.

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 ResourcesWhen Will Democrats Learn to Say No? by Adam Jentleson in the New York TimesThe End of the Obama Coalition - Michael Lind on The Ezra Klein Show“The New Class War: Saving Democracy from the Managerial Elite” by Michael LindEzra Klein on Where Democrats Go From Here - Pod Save America Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st CenturyAmerican Academy of Arts and SciencesBrennan Center for JusticeDēmosEric Liu on Revitalizing Faith in American Democracy - The Giving Done Right PodcastCitizen UniversityHabits of the Heart and Mind: How to Fortify Civic CultureTrust for Civic Life

Mike Bontrager, founder of Chatham Financial and Square Roots Collective, and his daughter Stephanie Almanza, head of real estate at Square Roots, delve into community-focused philanthropy rooted in trust. They share how their family dynamic influences their approach to building resilient communities in Kennett Square, PA. Topics include integrating for-profit and non-profit initiatives, addressing local affordable housing challenges, and the critical role of collaboration with nonprofits and government for lasting change.

Susan Thomas, President of the Melville Charitable Trust, is on a mission to tackle homelessness in the U.S., particularly for marginalized communities. She discusses her personal journey and its connection to systemic racism, emphasizing the need for deep understanding of the barriers people face. The conversation dives into historical practices like redlining, urging listeners to confront these injustices. Thomas advocates for a shift in philanthropy towards addressing root causes, highlighting the importance of education, collaboration, and supporting grassroots efforts.

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 ResourcesState of Nonprofits 2024: What Funders Need to KnowCEP’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 researchTrust-Based Philanthropy ProjectCandid’s insights on nonprofit leadership demographicsResources on board effectiveness from BoardSourceCEP’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 ResourcesNational Council on Aging (NCOA)Grantmakers in AgingInformation on the Older Americans Act for advocatesEldercare Locator - find services for older adults and their families