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 ResourcesInstitute for Nonprofit Practice (INP)The House on Mango Street by Sandra CisnerosFund the PeopleCEP’s State of Nonprofits 2024: What Funders Need to KnowFind 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 ResourcesUpTogetherThe Urban Institute’s evaluation of the Austin Guaranteed Income PilotCenter for Guaranteed Income Research at the University of PennsylvaniaGiveDirectlyCEP’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 ResourcesPatrick J McGovern FoundationVilas 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 ResourcesCitizen UniversityYou’re More Powerful Than You Think: A Citizen’s Guide to Making Change Happen by Eric LiuWhitney Kimball Coe, Director of National Programs, Center for Rural Strategies, The Aspen Institute Report: Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st CenturyReport: Youth Civic Empowerment: Insights from the Student ExperienceReport: Habits of Heart and Mind: How to Fortify Civic Culture

Vivian Long, Executive Director of the Long Family Foundation, shares her insights on family philanthropy rooted in intergenerational values. She reveals how deep relationships with grantees lead to sustainable impact and highlights the importance of commitment in driving genuine transformation. Vivian discusses her family's journey from humble beginnings and her path to leadership, emphasizing collaboration and open dialogue to navigate family dynamics. Plus, she addresses the need for systemic change in funding marginalized communities, advocating for a partnership approach to philanthropy.

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

Climate scientist, author, and climate policy expert Ayana Elizabeth Johnson joins Giving Done Right hosts Phil and Grace to discuss “what if we get it right” on climate – and the role philanthropy can play in implementing climate solutions. Ayana discusses the opportunities for individuals to take climate action through philanthropy as well as the importance of choosing where and how we invest our wealth. In this wide-ranging discussion on the possibilities of climate action, Ayana offers guidance for finding your niche in climate action both as individuals and as philanthropists.Additional Resources:“What if We Get it Right: Visions of Climate Futures” by Ayana Elizabeth JohnsonCEP’s Report Much Alarm, Less Action: Foundations and Climate ChangeClimate Action Venn DiagramTED Talk: How to Find Joy in Climate ActionMore writing, talks, and resources from Ayana Elizabeth JohnsonThe Crucial Years: Writing by Bill McKibbenEarthJusticeLeadLocally.orgEnvironmental Voter ProjectThe All We Can Save ProjectUrban Ocean Lab

Hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette are excited to bring you season four of the Giving Done Right podcast, the show on everything you need to know to make an impact with your charitable giving. This season, Phil and Grace cover a range of topics, including what donors can do about climate change, the power of direct cash transfers, the potential risks and opportunities associated with the use of AI, and the importance of investing in nonprofit leadership. Tune in to hear from leaders like climate scientist and author Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, CEO and co-founder of Citizen University Eric Liu, and president and CEO of UpTogether Jesús Gerena.  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In the season three finale of the Giving Done Right podcast, hosts Phil and Grace pull back the curtain on new Center for Effective Philanthropy research: Giving Big: The Impact of Large, Unrestricted Gifts on Nonprofits. Phil and Grace discuss how the idea to study the impact of MacKenzie Scott’s gifts on their recipients came about, the approach to the research, the key findings of the study about the experiences of the nonprofit leaders who have received these gifts, and implications for other donors.

Home Depot co-founder and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United teams, Arthur Blank joins episode seven of season 3, alongside President and Director of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Fay Twersky. Arthur and Fay discuss the values-driven approach of the Blank Family Foundation with hosts Phil and Grace. Arthur also shares insight into how he and his family take a collaborative approach to decision-making within the foundation and how he identified the right leader in Fay to lead the work forward. Fay speaks to finding fit and values-alignment when choosing to work with a family foundation, and both speak of the impact of their Jewish faith on their giving and vocations.