The Business of Giving

My next guest says that most people approach philanthropy with the right heart but the wrong map. They want to give—but don’t know where to start, how to make it matter, or how to ensure it’s truly meaningful. Alex Johnston is the Founding Partner of Building Impact Partners, a philanthropic advisory firm that helps high-capacity donors align their giving with values, strategy, and real impact. He’s also the author of Money with Meaning: How to Create Joy and Impact through Philanthropy.

If you’ve ever paused at the grocery store, looked at a Fair Trade label, and wondered what it really means—this episode is for you. Paul Rice, the founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA, has spent over two decades proving that ethical sourcing isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good business. He shares how his time living in rural Nicaragua reshaped his understanding of dignity, aid, and the power of markets. He takes us inside the early criticisms Fair Trade faced, how farmers themselves responded, and why he believes we’re at a pivotal moment in the evolution of conscious capitalism. We’ll also discuss his new book, Every Purchase Matters, and how businesses, consumers, and policymakers alike can create meaningful change—starting with the choices we make every day.

Today, I’m joined by Hali Lee. Her book The Big We rethinks philanthropy—shifting it from billionaires to regular folks at the kitchen table, pooling resources through giving circles. I love how she’s turned her Korean geh tradition into a spark for collective change. We’ll explore how she’s shaking up giving, building community, and imagining a future where ‘we’ and not “me” takes the lead. 

Today we're joined by Brenda Asare, chair of the Giving Institute and president and CEO of the Alford Group, a 45 year consultancy that's powered billions in nonprofit impact. With decades of experience, including leading major disaster fundraising efforts, she's tackling today's wild nonprofit landscape. We'll dive into the sector's strains, donor shifts, and how resilience is rising to meet the moment.

Tomorrow, March 14, marks India Giving Day—a vibrant call to action led by the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) to unite communities in supporting impactful India-focused nonprofits. On a recent episode of The Business of Giving podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Alex Counts, IPA’s Executive Director, whose journey in social impact began with a film and a Fulbright scholarship and now fuels a movement to redefine philanthropy for India. With a career spanning microfinance innovation and nonprofit leadership, Alex shared how IPA is fostering collaboration over competition— and why tomorrow’s event could be a turning point for collective giving.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick. My guest today is Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of the United Way of New York City. With a lifelong dedication to helping New Yorkers thrive, Grace leads the organization in addressing systemic poverty, promoting equity, and strengthening communities across the city. The mission of United Way has always been clear: helping New Yorkers thrive. But as Grace explains: “What has changed is the needs of New Yorkers, and we have really been at the forefront of answering both emerging needs and long-lasting policy needs to really make sure that New Yorkers are thriving.” We’ll talk about how United Way is meeting the challenges of a post-COVID world, creating innovative partnerships, and driving solutions that impact the lives of millions across New York City.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick. Accessing social services in the United States can be a daunting and confusing process, often leaving those in need struggling to find the support they require. One Degree, a pioneering organization, is changing that narrative by creating a user-friendly platform that connects families with critical resources, empowering them to achieve stability and mobility. Joining us today is Rey Faustino, founder and CEO of One Degree. Inspired by his own journey as an immigrant, Rey is on a mission to simplify how individuals navigate essential services. In this episode, we’ll delve into how One Degree is transforming lives through technology, its unique approach to addressing systemic barriers, and the innovative ways it builds community trust. Stay with us for a fascinating conversation about reshaping the social services ecosystem.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick.Imagine a school where every child receives a hot, nutritious meal every day. For many in Kenya, this is now a reality, thanks to the innovative work of Food4Education. Joining us today is Wawira Njiru, the organization’s founder, whose work is transforming the lives of 450,000 children daily and reshaping how school feeding is done across Africa. As Wawira explains, “We know that hungry children can't learn or grow, and neither can nations. Nations cannot grow if they're hungry.” In this episode, we’ll explore the groundbreaking strategies behind Food4Education, from their Tap to Eat system to their partnerships with local farmers and governments. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation about turning a bold vision into a sustainable solution for classroom hunger.

I’m Denver Frederick, the host of The Business of Giving. My guest today is Christine Squires, CEO of Americares, a global health organization that has been improving health and saving lives for over 45 years.Under Christine’s leadership, Americares supports over 4,000 health centers in 85 countries, responding to an average of 35 emergencies each year while also addressing long-term health challenges. The organization’s innovative work spans areas like disaster preparedness, mental health, and climate resilience. As Christine passionately puts it:“And we believe health is essential; it's a human right. And also with good health, there's opportunity, so people have the opportunity to work, go to school and build stronger communities.”Join me now as we dig into Americares’ mission, its global impact, and the inspiring vision Christine Squires has for the future of health and humanitarian aid.

I’m Denver Frederick, the host of The Business of Giving. My guest today is Peter Laugharn, CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, one of the largest family foundations in the United States. Under Peter’s leadership, the Foundation has doubled its grantmaking capacity and expanded its focus across seven core initiatives, tackling issues from homelessness and foster youth in the U.S. to safe drinking water and refugee support globally. He brings a refreshing perspective on progress in philanthropy, saying: “We never completely fail, and we never completely succeed. We take it apart, rework it, and keep going.” With this mindset, Peter is guiding the Hilton Foundation to build sustainable and systemic impact by partnering with communities and empowering local leaders. Join me now as we explore his mission-driven approach and the transformative work of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.