Giving Done Right

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

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.