People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast

First featured on Purposely in July 2023, we explore Mary Rose's remarkable journey, the impact of The Fore (founded in 2017), and her mission to empower charity founders and social entrepreneurs. Mary Rose Gunn saw the need for a different kind of funding model – one that goes beyond traditional grants. Drawing inspiration from venture capital practices, The Fore provides early-stage seed capital to social entrepreneurs who are tackling pressing societal and environmental issues. By identifying and supporting promising ventures, The Fore helps these organisations unleash their full potential and create significant social impact. The Fore doesn't just offer financial assistance; it provides a comprehensive package of support. Through tailored business support and access to a network of mentors, The Fore empowers organisations to overcome challenges and thrive in their respective fields. Mary Rose Gunn understands the power of collaboration and the value of a strong support system. She speaks highly of her team and acknowledges the expertise and experience of her Board of Trustees, recognising that their collective effort has been instrumental in The Fore's success. Under Mary Rose Gunn's leadership, The Fore UK has already made a profound impact on numerous organisations. By scaling operations, enhancing capabilities, and making a tangible difference in the communities they serve, these organisations have become agents of transformative social change. The Fore UK fosters a culture of collaboration and learning, serving as a catalyst for positive and lasting impact. Mary Rose Gunn's passion for philanthropy and social change is infectious. She actively engages with individuals from various sectors, including business, charity, and the public sector. Drawing inspiration from their diverse experiences, Mary Rose embraces the power of different perspectives and recognizes the contributions of individuals working across different industries. This collaborative mindset has been instrumental in The Fore's success and positive impact. A Vision for the Future: Mary Rose's vision for The Fore extends far beyond the present. She envisions a future where The Fore supports 1000 more exceptional small charities and social enterprises. By "moving the needle," she believes that together, they can create a significant and lasting positive change. Mary Rose emphasizes the importance of changing the narrative about problem-solving, investing in communities, and embracing local solutions. She envisions a society where individuals have agency and the power to effect change from the grassroots level. Inspiring a Shared Vision: Through her remarkable journey, Mary Rose Gunn continues to inspire individuals and organisations to embrace innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for a better future. Mary Rose Gunn's journey with The Fore is a testament to the power of disruptive thinking and collaborative action. Through her visionary approach, she has empowered small charities and social enterprises to reach their full potential and make a meaningful difference in society.

Welcome to the final episode of Purposely for 2023 This episode focuses on the origins of Purposely, the ‘why’ it started in the first place any why it has become one of the leading nonprofit podcasts in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. We celebrate a few of the ‘Purposely Heroes’ for 2023, founders of charities and social enterprises, those who had a dream about how they could help people or planet and then made it happen. These individuals embarked on incredible journeys of impact and purpose often with co-founders. One such person is Sasha Lockley, the founder and CEO of Money Sweetspot, a social enterprise dedicated to helping people escape the clutches of debt. Sasha's firsthand experience with financial challenges gives her a clear vision of the mission, offering hope and empowerment to many. Laurence Marshbaum, another remarkable social entrepreneur, founded 10 x 10 Philanthropy and Community Capital. His commitment to innovative fundraising and portfolio management generating income for good causes has been truly inspiring, with a significant impact on young people. Lucas Patchett, co-founder of OrangeSky, showcased an unwavering dedication to helping people experiencing homelessness and helping them to rebuild their lives and mental health. The profound impact of their work on the homeless community in Australia and New Zealand is a testament to their selflessness and dedication. Ren Fernando, co-founder of Re-Love a social enterprise focusing helping people in need to create homes in a sustainable way. Ren is driven by an unyielding passion for making a difference and her dedication to rescuing furniture and gifting it to those in need promises a positive impact on both people and the planet. Mary Rose Gunn, founder of The Fore, which is pioneering efforts to revolutionise philanthropy by supporting innovative enterprises and charities, many of them start-up by connecting capital with motivated individuals and bringing about a positive change. Kerryn Thrupp, founder of Woven Earth a phenomenal New Zealand charity that transforms empty houses into homes for survivors of domestic violence. Kerryn's lived experience fuels her passion to help families. A special mention also goes to 'for purpose' founders who also featured this year, Anna Josse, Prism the Gift Fund, Bill Murphy, Purpose Capital, Rhodri Davies, Why Philanthropy Matters?, Benjamin Janes, Trust Partnership, James Lewis, Action for Elders, Stephanie Pow, Crayon, and Angus Crowther and Neil Pharoah, Tanck as guests of Purposely and notable figures to watch out for in 2024. and from 2022 Sarah Page, Kindness Collective, Afam Onyema GEANCO Foundation, James Palmer Community Finance, Barry Coates Mindful Money, Samuel Grice, Octopus Legacy, Becky Endicott and Jonathan McCoy We Are For Good, Bridget Williams Bead and Proceed, Christine Langdon The Good Registry, Mike Seawright Relief Aid, Rachel Brown Sustainable Business Network, Dave Rouse Carbon Click, Rui Peng Critical, Hendrikus van Henbergen, John Berry Pathfinder, Steve Wickham The Giving Department and Steven Zinsli Healthnow. A massive thank all of our wonderful guests (58 this year alone), listeners, sponsors and supporters! Here's to a new year filled with purpose, inspiration, and positive impact!

Introducing Jo Taylor, the Chief Executive Officer of the Siddle Family Foundation, to Purposely. Jo sheds light on her professional and personal odyssey from the UK to Australia and the impact of her partner—a medical professional whose dreams of a life downunder set the stage for their move. We delve into her her leadership role in philanthropy and how the work she is involved in is reshaping the narrative around giving and philanthropy.  After 23 years, Jo is now happily married to her partner, and they are parents to two children. Having spent two decades in Bondi, they recently moved to the Mid North Coast region.   Contrary to her initial career plan of becoming a lawyer, Jo has emerged as a leader in the philanthropy sector in Australia. Leveraging her legal studies, her involvement in Raise & Give (RAG) during her tenure at the University of Leicester, and her experience as a fundraiser in the charity sector, Jo brings a substantial depth of knowledge and expertise to her current role   Jo shares her professional journey from lawyer to philanthropy leader. This transformation involves her engagement in 'Pay What It Takes' (PWIT), a coalition between for purpose organisations and funders aiming to redefine philanthropy and reshape the funding landscape for the charitable sector. Serving as the Chair of this Coalition, Jo and the PWIT Steering Committee drew inspiration from the impactful work of Bridgespan and Foundations in the United States, prompting crucial questions about the level of financial support provided by Australian funders. Their objective is to challenge the cycle of underfunding and organisational challenges by advocating for unrestricted funding or a 30% addition to project-based funding to adequately cover indirect costs.   A pivotal catalyst for this movement was the inquiry titled 'A Sector in Peril,' laying the foundation for collaboration among like-minded foundations. The Coalition led by Jo, and comprising Philanthropy Australia, the Centre for Social Impact, Social Ventures Australia, The Origin Foundation, and the Paul Ramsay Foundation, conducted comprehensive research, interviews, literature reviews, case studies, and workshops to address chronic underfunding of core operational expenses within Australian organizations. The vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the critical need for adequate funding.   Jo emphasises the necessity to challenge misconceptions surrounding indirect costs and advocates for a redefined evaluation of efficiency and effectiveness by funders. This paradigm shift demands courage and peer leadership within the sector, recognising the entrenched mental models ingrained in both funders and nonprofit organizations that need to be reshaped.   Despite the challenges, the Pay What It Takes movement is gaining momentum, offering optimism for a sector striving for genuine impact and change. The collaboration aims to redefine the philanthropic landscape in Australia, ensuring that organisations receive sufficient funding to effect lasting, impactful change.   Throughout her professional journey, Jo's commitment to social justice has been profoundly shaped by personal aspirations, life experiences, and the influence of her parents, particularly her mother. Her story serves as a compelling inspiration for those seeking to make a meaningful difference in the world of philanthropy.

Nick Laing joins us on Purposely Podcast to share his organisation's mission and his career journey from social worker to charity CEO.     Nick shares his journey of coming out as a gay man during a time when societal acceptance was limited. This experience played a significant role in shaping his identity and influencing his approach to life. Nick's desire to make a positive impact led him to pursue a career centred around helping others. Fuelled by a deep motivation and a strong commitment to social justice, he pursued training as a social worker and seized the opportunity to join the local health authority. Over the course of nine years, Nick took on various roles within the organisation, culminating in his position as a team leader, where he began to explore his capabilities in management.     In a pivotal move, Nick joined the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (now called the Burnett Foundation) as a general manager in April 2012. This relatively small nonprofit organisation aimed to combat the spread of HIV and provide support to individuals at risk of HIV and other sexual diseases. Nick's experience at the foundation further solidified his commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable people.    In April 2019, Nick assumed the role he holds today as CEO of Canteen Aotearoa, a cancer charity that offers psychosocial and practical support to young people aged 13 to 24 who are impacted by cancer. With approximately 4,200 young people affected by cancer in Aotearoa each year, Canteen plays a crucial role in providing much-needed support to both young people and their families.     Nick's tenure as CEO has not been without its challenges. When he first joined Canteen, the charity had been on the brink of closure due to a lack of funds. Those leading the charity at that time implemented cost-cutting measures and then embarked on hiring a new CEO. Nick stepped in with the brief of rebuilding the core team and refocusing everyone on the mission of providing the very best support on a smaller budget. Despite these obstacles, Nick's leadership and dedication have allowed Canteen to thrive and continue its vital work.     The COVID-19 pandemic presented a new set of challenges for Nick and his team. Raising funds, managing teams, and ensuring access to support for young people became even more difficult. However, Nick's ability to adapt and his team's resilience have enabled Canteen to overcome these obstacles. Nick references the charities close working relationship with Canteen Australia as crucial to their success. He also points to technology and the vital role it has played in maintaining connections and providing support during this challenging time.     Thanks to their partnership with Canteen Australia, Nick’s been able to ensure that the charity can stand at the forefront of innovation, utilising cutting-edge technology to support young individuals diagnosed with cancer in New Zealand. An example of this is their Robots Project, which has revolutionised education for young people undergoing treatment. Through user-friendly Kubi robots, these individuals can attend classes, interact with teachers and classmates, and participate in discussions, all from their hospital rooms. This initiative ensures not only continuity in their education but also helps them stay connected to their school community.     Nick Laing's leadership and commitment to supporting young people impacted by cancer have had a significant impact on the lives of rangatahi (young people) and their whānau (families). Through their support services and innovative initiatives like the Robots Project, Nick and his team have created a safe space where young individuals can find support and a sense of belonging.     Canteen continues to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, ensuring that no rangatahi faces this journey alone. 

Welcoming Philippa Charles, head of the Garfield Weston Foundation, to Purposely, where she shares their unique approach to funding as well as her personal journey of turning her back on a corporate career to lead a charitable foundation. The Garfield Weston Foundation is not just any foundation; it has become one of the most generous and progressive family foundations in the UK. Since its inception in 1958, the foundation has donated close to a billion pounds to good causes in the UK, granting between seventy and hundred million pounds annually. Despite the size and importance of the foundation's financial resources, Philippa Charles, its leader, is known for her accessibility, humility, and empathy. She is renowned for being a straight talker and has a desire to keep things simple. The foundation was set up by the Weston Family to benefit from the proceeds of their successful businesses, which include well-known brands in the food industry. These brands range from high-end retail, such as Fortnum and Mason, to household staples like Tip Top Ice Cream in New Zealand. To ensure the support of the voluntary sector and provide opportunities for success, 80% of the Weston Family's wealth was put into a trust called Whittington Investments. This decision meant billions of pounds were dedicated to benefiting the UK in perpetuity.  Despite the significant amount of funding they provide, the foundation operates with a small team of eleven people although they have the support of the other Weston businesses. Their funding decisions are guided by their ethos rather than strict criteria, focusing on making the biggest impact in the short and long terms. Twelve years ago, Philippa made the family charter public, which outlines their ethos of being flexible, responsive, and adapting to needs. This decision to openly share their charter with the Third Sector was seen as unique and transformative. The foundation's decision-making process is informally guided by the Three C's: capacity, capability, and confidence. They consider an organisation's ability to deliver on their charitable mission, with confidence being a vital but often overlooked factor. The themes that guide the foundation's grant-making are broad, covering areas such as arts and culture, education, environment, youth, heritage, welfare, and faith-based organizations. They fund both revenue and capital costs, including core and administrative expenses. The foundation takes pride in its hands-off approach, allowing the charities they support to decide how to spend the funds. The foundation strongly believes those closest to their communities are best suited to develop solutions and approaches to address those needs. In addition to her role at the foundation, Philippa has held positions at Barclays Plc, Ernst & Young, and JM Consulting. She demonstrates her commitment to empowering women by serving as a Trustee of SmartWorks, an organization dedicated to helping women secure meaningful employment. She also oversees the Nominations Committee. Overall, Philippa Charles and the Garfield Weston Foundation have made a significant impact in the UK through their unique approach to funding and their commitment to supporting the voluntary sector.

Welcoming Sarah Ramantanis to Purposely, Sarah is the co-founder of KOS Magazine an online platform dedicated to amplifying the stories of changemakers across Australia, those who are actively contributing to their communities. From the founders of Lumni an interactive game helping people to practice self-care to All Things Equal a cafe working towards disability equality KOS Magazine is a platform aiming to inspire people to do good. Using the power of storytelling the platform aims to inspire readers to become 'changemakers' within their own communities. They illuminate the narratives of everyday heroes. Featuring an array of voices and perspectives, celebrating individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities. Spanning grassroots initiatives to innovative projects. Sarah has a background in marketing and communications for 'for-purpose' organisations significantly, not surprisingly she gained an understanding of effective storytelling and communication. Sarah has also featured as a TEDx speaker, where she delves into the strategies of effectively 'pitching oneself for a purpose-driven career in today's evolving digital landscape'. Her insights stem from personal experiences, including facing multiple rejections in job applications and adapting during the pandemic by reaching out to people and leveraging video calls for outreach and influence. Beyond her professional endeavors, Sarah actively contributes her time to various organisations voluntarily. Her involvement spans NEXUS Australia, Kids in Philanthropy, UNICEF, and The Centre of Youth Policy and Education Practice. Through these initiatives, she passionately advocates for youth empowerment and social impact. Sarah is driven as well as confident, she also committed to furthering her own personal growth and continuous learning which underscores her belief in education as a catalyst for positive transformation.

Welcoming Peter Winneke, the writer behind "Give While You Live," Peter isn't just an author; he's a seasoned 'generosity' advisor and life legacy, boasting over two decades of experience in strategic, impactful giving in Australia. His expertise spans the establishment of more than 100 philanthropic family foundations, making him an advocate of 'pragmatic guidance' in the world of philanthropy. "Give While You Live" doesn't merely shine a light on best practice giving; it's a roadmap for redefining Australia's philanthropic landscape. Winneke offers a constructive critique, pinpointing areas where the sector can significantly enhance its practices, striving for more effective and impactful giving. Before his influential role in philanthropy, Winneke carved out a niche in the corporate sphere, honing his skills in insolvency, mergers, and acquisitions for 16 years. His travels to low-middle income countries during this time ignited a fervent passion for philanthropy's potential to combat injustice and drive societal change. In his book, Winneke adopts a refreshingly practical approach, urging families with substantial wealth to reconsider their legacy through purposeful giving. His counsel is straightforward: allocate a minimum 20% of one's net worth to a family foundation devoted to charitable causes, steering away from fragmented contributions in favor of focused support. By drawing from his vast experience working with influential entities like The Myer Foundation and Philanthropy Australia, Winneke advocates for family foundations not just as vehicles for giving but as platforms for imparting values and purpose to future generations. At the core of "Give While You Live" are 35 pragmatic case studies that spotlight the joy of giving while outlining strategies to maximize the impact of donations. Winneke's goal is not merely to encourage charitable acts but to instill a culture of strategic giving that endures, leaving a lasting imprint on communities. Renowned figures in the philanthropic sphere, such as Tim Costello AO and Anna Skarbek, laud Winneke's work for its potential to reignite conversations about legacy and purpose. Costello emphasizes the book's role in rekindling hope, while Skarbek acknowledges Winneke's capacity to inspire a fresh wave of strategic giving. Book available from www.peterwinneke.com.au

Eric Ressler is the co-founder of Cosmic, a creative agency working with ‘for purpose’ and mission driven organisations across the USA. Eric and Cosmics journey, marked by a significant pivot from commercial and silicon valley startup clients to a commitment to empowering mission-driven organisations only. Despite struggling at school, Eric Ressler has gone on to have a successful career driven by a passion for creativity in various forms, from music and stop-motion animation to videography and traditional art. Eric has also been willing to change with the times, innovate and stay relevant developing his expertise in digital media as demand for this increased. Eric's early design work began through freelancing and consulting work, primarily focusing on digital experiences, websites, and brand development. Eric's freelancing endeavours gradually expanded, leading him to form his own design firm. The journey culminated in the birth of Cosmic in 2009, which initially thrived in the vibrant co-working space of NextSpace in Santa Cruz. The demand for their services grew, and the team expanded to meet the growing needs of clients, ranging from startups to established B2B and B2C brands. During their initial years, Cosmic worked with a diverse clientele, including Silicon Valley startups, enterprise brands, and non-profits. While they were motivated by the projects they undertook, many of these engagements were profit-oriented and followed traditional business models. The shift to purpose Eric and his team at Cosmic began to reassess their mission and values. They realised that making a positive impact on the world did not solely depend on being a non-profit. Market-based and innovation-based approaches could be equally effective. This revelation prompted Cosmic to pivot towards a social impact-focused niche. They decided to deepen their expertise and experience in this sector and concentrate all their efforts on organisations with a mission to make a difference. Today, Cosmic has firmly established itself as a Social Impact Creative Agency. Cosmic is committed to helping social impact organisations catalyse real-world change by perfecting their impact story, building brand awareness, and inspiring action. Cosmics work centres on their self-published mission driven digital manifesto. Central to this is the following beliefs   build brand awareness organize a coalition of deeply impassioned supporters lead the conversation around the issues you care about most A digital-first model also allows you to: build organisational capacity break the starvation cycle create a sustainable revenue stream

Meet Maria English, the CEO of Impact Lab, a New Zealand-based organisation on a mission to make a positive impact in the lives of New Zealanders through their work with charities doing good work as well as funders.  Ostensibly their work is focused on making investments work for communities and enabling people to lead the lives they choose. We explore Maria's remarkable career journey, to her first CEO role as boss of Impact Lab, and their unique approach to social value measurement.   Maria’s early career focused on academic achievement, earning a politics and philosophy degree at the renowned University of Cambridge and later an MBA at Stanford University. Utilising her studies Maria then joined Boston Consulting and experienced the pressures of being a business consultant and delivering value in the corporate world.   Maria’s move to the purpose led work she does now was activated by an experience she had helping ‘first nation’ communities in Australia. A life changing experienced which eventually led her back to New Zealand, her home, and the birthplace of Impact Lab.   Impact Lab is a family business of sorts, co-founded by Maria's father, Bill English, a former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and respected policy maker Emily Mason.   In 2019, Maria and her co-founders identified the need to understand, grow, and demonstrate the impact of frontline impact organisations and strategic funders. This realisation led to the development of Impact Lab's unique methodology and tools that connect social value measurement with decision-making. Their goal is to equip decision-makers with actionable information to enhance social impact.   Impact Lab employs the Social Return on Investment (SROI) model to measure impact. SROI compares the estimated social value of a program to its cost, quantifying the social impact in dollar terms that a program achieves for its participants over their lifetime.   As the CEO of Impact Lab, Maria faces daily challenges and continues to learn and adapt. Leading a small but impactful team and guiding the organisation toward growth has been a transformative experience for her especially considering her age and relative lack of experience.   Maria reflects on her passion for the work and points to the power of collaborating with remarkable charities and organisations and finding meaning and purpose in the work they do.   We talk about the challenges and benefits of working with her father within the same organisation its unique dynamics and she acknowledges the challenge of separating work from personal life and the importance of finding a balance.   Maria looks to the future of Impact Lab, with an aim of deepening its impact and building more connections within the sector to make data-driven decision-making a standard practice. Their goal is to see all investments in the community sector in New Zealand guided by data, leading to greater social impact and positive change.

Ren Fernando joins Purposely to share her journey as a co-founder, starting ReLove. ReLove might be considered an accidental charity, as Ren and her co-founder Ben Stammer didn't set out with the explicit intention to start a nonprofit organisation. However, as you'll hear, their mission was always to make a positive and long-lasting impact. The Australian-based charity are focused on creating homes for those in need while addressing the pressing issue of environmental waste. Since 2019, ReLove has been providing essential household items to vulnerable individuals, including survivors of domestic violence, people experiencing homelessness, and those seeking asylum. The charity's goal revolves around empowerment and sustainability, and their innovative approach has proven to be effective. The inception of ReLove was rather unexpected. Ren and Ben initially started a free running group called the "Run for Good Project," with the aim of blending fitness with social good. This project had no direct connection to what ReLove stands for today. In 2019, they organized an initiative to raise awareness about homelessness, shedding light on the challenges people face when searching for food and shelter. This early project laid the foundation for ReLove's core mission. In 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ren and Ben took a significant step. They had already established a close relationship with the Women and Girls Emergency Centre, an organization assisting women experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. Witnessing the dire circumstances and recognizing the need for support, the duo took action, giving birth to the idea of ReLove. This unique approach empowers individuals as they transition into safe housing. The heart of ReLove's mission is the "ReLove Free Store," a 2000-square-meter warehouse designed to resemble a traditional shopping experience, with one crucial difference: everything is free. Ren and Ben work directly with clients who are on the verge of accessing safe housing, providing them with essential household items. This assistance helps them navigate the challenging transition into their new, independent lives. The belief behind this approach is that offering tangible support and a helping hand at this critical moment can make a significant difference. Ren and Ben's unintentional charity not only provides practical support to people in crisis but also exemplifies that a small idea, fueled by determination and compassion, can create profound positive change.