The Business of Giving

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host Denver Frederick. Today, we’re joined by Chris Helfrich, CEO of Eat. Learn. Play., the foundation founded by Stephen and Ayesha Curry to support children in their adopted hometown of Oakland, California. Focused on three pillars—nutritious meals, education, and play—the foundation has had a transformative impact on thousands of children. One standout moment in our conversation is when Chris shares the philosophy that drives their work: “And that is when Stephen chimed in and said, "Yeah, this is about impact for us, not legacy." And so, we've adopted this mantra, "Impact over legacy.” And that's been close to the center of Eat. Learn. Play. since we started.” This powerful mindset ensures their mission remains focused on making the greatest difference in the lives of Oakland’s kids. So, lean in for a compelling conversation that highlights the power of intentionality, community, and unwavering impact. Chris Helfrich, Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick. Did you know that over one billion people worldwide lack access to affordable eyewear? Warby Parker set out to change that. In an industry dominated by high prices, Warby Parker has revolutionized eyewear, offering stylish, affordable options while making a profound social impact. Today, we’re joined by Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, to explore how this mission-driven company is reshaping the retail landscape. As Neil shares, “We thought that if we could charge a fraction of the cost, that would be good. But we also asked ourselves, ‘What type of business would we want to work at?’” In this episode, we’ll dive into Warby Parker’s innovative approach to balancing profit and purpose, their cutting-edge use of technology, and the company culture that fuels their growth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a social impact enthusiast, or just curious about the future of retail, you won’t want to miss this insightful conversation with one of the visionaries leading the charge. Stay with us for an inspiring journey behind the brand that’s changing the way we see the world.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick. America’s National Parks are some of the most iconic and cherished landscapes in the world, and their preservation requires constant care and innovative thinking. My guest today is someone who has played a pivotal role in protecting these treasures. Joining me is Will Shafroth, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. As Will passionately shares, “We help the Park Service do things more creatively or innovatively, which as a nonprofit we’re better able to do sometimes than a government agency.” In this episode, we’ll explore how Will has transformed the Foundation’s approach to fundraising, fostered partnerships that enhance the visitor experience, and worked to make National Parks more inclusive for all Americans. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation about the future of these incredible spaces.

I had the opportunity to speak with Bernice Romero, Executive Director of the Norwegian Refugee Council USA, at the Clinton Global Initiative about NRC’s groundbreaking new capital fund. The fund is designed to solarize operations in over 40 countries, significantly improving cost-efficiency and security for displaced communities. Bernice highlighted lessons from a successful pilot project in Sudan and shared the broader sustainability objectives NRC plans to pursue through strategic partnerships and long-term initiatives.

Welcome to The Business of Giving, where we explore the innovative work of nonprofit leaders who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. I’m your host Denver Frederick. Today, I’m thrilled to have Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. Under her leadership, the Y has broadened its mission to tackle some of the city’s most pressing issues, from improving access to health and wellness programs to addressing the mental health challenges that have only grown more urgent post-pandemic. One of the most compelling aspects of the YMCA’s mission is its commitment to guiding young people toward their full potential. As Sharon said: “One of the things that we pride ourselves on… is really helping people develop skills and habits for life. And that can be at any age, but with a real focus on our youth.”In this episode, Sharon shares how the YMCA is meeting the evolving needs of New Yorkers—from empowering the next generation to strengthening the sense of community that we all need. Let’s get started.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick. Despite impacting lives across every demographic, mental health remains one of the most underfunded areas in philanthropy—with just over 1% of philanthropic dollars addressing this critical issue. Our guest today is working to change that. Joining us is Alyson Niemann, the CEO of Mindful Philanthropy. Since its founding in 2020, Mindful Philanthropy has been on a mission to catalyze impactful funding for mental health, addiction, and well-being initiatives, transforming how philanthropy tackles these urgent challenges. As Alyson passionately states, “We think mental health is at the center of all things and all social issue areas.” In this episode, we’ll dive into their innovative strategies, ambitious goals, and explore how each of us can play a role in advancing this movement. This is a conversation that promises to both enlighten and inspire. Stay with us as we explore how philanthropy is stepping up to make a real difference in mental health.

Cryptocurrency is revolutionizing nonprofit fundraising, unlocking millions in donations and reshaping how charities engage with the next generation of donors. At the forefront of this transformation is Pat Duffy, co-founder of The Giving Block. As Pat tells it, the idea came to him and his co-founder, Alex Wilson, in a moment of realization:   Pat Duffy:  We saw Ashton Kutcher go on the Ellen DeGeneres show, give $4 million in crypto. So Alex and I immediately started messaging each other and said: We got to set up my charity to take crypto donations. In this episode, Pat shares how The Giving Block is breaking down barriers for nonprofits, from simplifying cryptocurrency donations to leveraging emerging tech like NFTs and stablecoins. If your organization is looking to tap into this exciting new world of digital giving, you won’t want to miss this conversation. And now, here’s Pat Duffy, co-founder of The Giving Block.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host Denver Frederick. Today, we are delighted to welcome back Phil Buchanan, the President of the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP). Phil is a passionate advocate for the nonprofit sector and a keen observer of philanthropy’s role in strengthening democracy. We’ll be exploring critical issues such as the nonprofit sector’s evolving role, trust-based philanthropy, and the remarkable impact of MacKenzie Scott's giving model. We’ll also talk about donor-advised funds and technology’s role in reshaping philanthropy. Plus, exciting news—Phil has just kicked off Season 4 of his podcast *Giving Done Right*. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of philanthropy, this is a must-listen! There is a lot to explore, so let’s get started.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I'm your host, Denver Frederick. Today we have the distinct honor of welcoming a guest whose life's work is dedicated to combating one of the most heinous crimes of our era – modern slavery. Nick Grono, the CEO of the Freedom Fund, is a tireless advocate in the global fight against human trafficking. In addition to this extraordinary work, Nick recently authored the timely and insightful book, How to Lead Nonprofits: Turning Purpose into Impact to Change the World. Drawing from his two decades of experience leading organizations tackling complex global challenges, Nick offers a fresh and pragmatic approach to nonprofit leadership. He challenges conventional wisdom and provides actionable insights for leaders determined to transform their mission into tangible, measurable impact. So, without further ado, let's embark on this journey into the world of nonprofit leadership with Nick Grono.