The Business of Giving

And this evening’s semi-finalist of the MacArthur Foundation’s 100&Change initiative is Sesame Workshop, teamed together with the International Rescue Committee to educate children displaced by conflict and persecution. And here to discuss their proposal with us is Sherrie Westin, Executive Vice President of Global Impact and Philanthropy for Sesame Workshop, and Sarah Smith, the Senior Director of Education at the International Rescue Committee.

And our semi-finalist for this evening in the MacArthur Foundation’s 100&Change Initiative is The Carter Center, and their proposal is to eliminate river blindness in Nigeria. And here to discuss that with us is Dr. Frank Richards, who is the Director of the River Blindness Elimination Program at The Carter Center.

The U.S. Impact Investing Alliance is a field-building organization committed to raising awareness of impact investing in the United States, fostering deployment of impact capital, and working with stakeholders to help build the impact investing ecosystem. And here to tell us about all of that, as well as what's happening in this field during this time of crisis is Fran Seegull, the Executive Director of The U.S. Impact Investing Alliance.

Although the pandemic and getting back to school and work are at the top of everyone's mind, this nation's policy on immigration remains a key issue heading into the 2020 presidential election. And here to discuss that with us is Mark Krikorian, the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies or CIS.

For nearly two decades, The Libra Foundation has done significant grantmaking in progressive causes and movements, with multigenerational families being closely involved with the foundation, setting its strategy, and interacting with many of the foundations' grantee partners. And here to tell us more about this work and how the foundation has changed over the years is Crystal Hayling, the Executive Director of The Libra Foundation.

Exceptional government programs and the outstanding work of nonprofit organizations can help address the most vexing social problems facing us, but perhaps, there is no greater force for good than business when that force is channeled in the right way. B Corp is leading the movement to see that happens. And it’s a pleasure to have with us, Lorna Davis, the former CEO of Danone Wave, and currently serving as the Global Ambassador for B Corp.

The mission of the Citizens Committee for New York City is to help New Yorkers, especially those in low-income areas, come together and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. That's a big mission in the best of times, and these are not the best of times. And here to discuss his work with us and what they're doing now in the midst of this pandemic is Dr. Rahsaan Harris, the CEO of the Citizens Committee for New York.

Girls Inc. offers programming to girls ages 6 to 18 in more than 1,500 sites throughout the United States and Canada. The organization focuses on what it calls "strong, smart, bold outcomes." And to tell us some more about their work, along with some new research as to its effectiveness, it's a pleasure to have with us, Dr. Stephanie Hull, the President and CEO of Girls Inc.

COVID-19 has unmasked many societal problems such as racial inequity and our fragile public health system. While there all along, they were somehow hidden in plain sight. So now that our powers of observation have been heightened, it is a perfect time for my next guest. He is Blair Sheppard, the Head of Global Strategy and Leadership for PwC and author of the just released book, Ten Years to Midnight: Four Urgent Global Crises and Their Strategic Solutions. Welcome to the Business of Giving, Blair!

Better Than Most is a regular feature of The Business of Giving, examining the best places to work among social good businesses and nonprofit organizations. Denver: Generation Citizen empowers young people to become engaged and effective citizens, and their workplace culture looks to create the same for its employees. So, I went over to the New York City offices recently to check it out. We'll begin with their CEO, Scott Warren, and then hear from some of the other members of the team. I'd like to thank all those who participated in this piece: Jessica Wise, Maria Mares, Dana Inez, Lauren Hurlbutt, Joie Golomb, Amy Curran, and John Trasviña. And if you would like to hear my full interview with Scott Warren, the CEO of Generation Citizen, just come visit denver-frederick.com.