
Giving Done Right
From the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), Giving Done Right is the show with everything you need to know to make an impact with your charitable giving. Whether you’re donating a few hundred dollars a year, a few thousand, or a few million, you might find yourself wondering: Where should I give? How do I know which nonprofits are effective? How do I know if I’m really making a difference with my donation? Join hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette as they welcome leaders and experts from throughout the nonprofit sector to answer philanthropy’s burning questions and bust some myths that have long plagued donors and nonprofits alike. In a time when effective giving is especially crucial, Giving Done Right cuts through the noise and focuses on what you need to know to put your money to work.
Latest episodes

Oct 28, 2021 • 31min
The Heart and the Head
In the seventh episode of Giving Done Right season two, CEP’s Phil and Grace talk with Rohini Nilekani, philanthropist and Giving Pledge signatory. Rohini discusses trust-based philanthropy, the effects of the pandemic in India, and what it means to create a family legacy through philanthropy.

Oct 21, 2021 • 34min
The Arts and a Just World
In the sixth episode of Giving Done Right season two, CEP’s Phil and Grace talk with Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, poet and president of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Elizabeth delves into how to apply a social and racial justice lens to your philanthropy, the fundamental role of the arts in a healthy society, and how the arts and artists are faring as we enter a new phase of the pandemic.

Oct 14, 2021 • 30min
Unleashing Potential
In the fifth episode of Giving Done Right season two, Phil and Grace talk with Stephanie Hull, president and CEO of Girls Inc. Stephanie provides insight into what it’s like to lead a national nonprofit, the differences in her experiences with foundations versus individual donors, and what it takes to invest wisely in women and girls.

Oct 7, 2021 • 36min
Finding Your Lane
In the fourth episode of season two, Phil and Grace talk with Jeremy Lin, professional basketball player of 'Linsanity' fame, and Patricia Sun, CEO of JLin Marketing. Jeremy and Patricia discuss stewarding Jeremy’s platform for good, sustaining support for the AAPI community, and how to carve out one’s authentic path as a donor.

Sep 30, 2021 • 37min
The Unifier
In the third episode of season two, Phil and Grace talk with Tony Richardson, executive director of the Nord Family Foundation. Tony discusses how adversity he faced in his youth led him to a career in philanthropy and in public service, ways to bridge entrenched ideological divides, and how to carry an original donor’s intent and values through decades of giving.

Sep 23, 2021 • 30min
Giving as a Family Affair
In the second episode of Giving Done Right season two, Phil and Grace talk with Julie Aleman, philanthropist and executive director of the Younger Family Fund. Julie discusses her experience giving alongside family members, the insights she’s gained from working on both sides of fundraising and grantmaking, and how families can foster a culture of generosity that carries through to the next generation.

Sep 16, 2021 • 33min
Small but Mighty
In the debut episode of season two, hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette talk with Cathy Moore, executive director of Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS) in Houston, TX. Tune in as Moore discusses her experience working on the frontlines during both Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic, how she believes donors can best step up in a time of crisis, and how to think about the tension between giving to meet immediate needs and addressing an issue’s root causes. For more resources on effective giving, check out the Center for Effective Philanthropy's website: cep.org Credits: Executive Producer - Sarah Martin Mixing by Kevin O’Connell Additional editing by Isabel Hibbard Music - “FasterFasterBrighter” by Blue Dot Sessions Artwork - Jay Kustka Want to send us a note? Contact us at gdrpodcast@cep.org

Sep 9, 2021 • 2min
Introducing: Season 2 of Giving Done Right
Join hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette from the Center for Effective Philanthropy as they welcome major donors and nonprofit leaders to answer philanthropy’s burning questions and bust some myths about giving that have long plagued donors and nonprofits alike. Subscribe now for updates.

Mar 16, 2021 • 1h 8min
Bonus Episode — Taking Stock: Philanthropy’s Role in Supporting Racial Equity
In this special bonus episode of Giving Done Right, we share a recent conversation on philanthropy’s role in supporting racial equity and the movement for racial justice, which was part of the first event in CEP’s 20th Anniversary Virtual Learning Sessions, a dynamic series addressing some of the major challenges currently facing philanthropy in 2021. Moderated by Giving Done Right co-host Grace Nicolette, this urgent discussion features Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation; Rashad Robinson, president of Color Of Change; Tricia Raikes, philanthropist and principal at the Raikes Foundation; and Yolanda Coentro, president and CEO of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice.

Nov 19, 2020 • 39min
No Easy Answers: The Hard Work of Giving Done Right
In Episode 7 — the Season 1 finale! — hosts Phil and Grace are joined by Melinda Tuan, a trusted adviser to foundations and major donors around the country and managing director of Fund for Shared Insight. Melinda talks with Grace and Phil about the complexities of being an effective philanthropist and shares her deep expertise on how donors can navigate several specific challenges of giving, from measuring impact to making difficult decisions about where to give.