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The Giving Done Right Podcast with Phil Buchanan

From the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), Giving Done Right offers hard-hitting conversations and vital resources to help you make an impact with your charitable giving. Whether you’re an individual donor or your job involves making grants, the challenges are universal: Where should I give? How do I know which nonprofits are effective, and how do I best support them? How can I increase the odds that I am making a difference? Join host Phil Buchanan as he welcomes nonprofit leaders, effective donors, and experts to answer philanthropy’s burning questions and bust some myths. In a time of great challenge for nonprofits and the communities they serve, giving is especially crucial: Giving Done Right cuts through the noise and focuses on what you need to know to be effective.

The Center for Effective Philanthropy

Federal policy shifts continue to upend the landscape for domestic nonprofits, civil society, and international aid alike, leaving donors facing urgent questions about where and how to give. 

This season on the Giving Done Right podcast, host Phil Buchanan sits down with philanthropic and nonprofit leaders to explore what effective giving looks like in a moment of real strain and real opportunity. Together, these conversations dig into the questions donors are asking today: how to give when trust and partnership matter more than ever, the tension between short-term needs and a long-term view, and what good stewardship really demands of those with the resources to act. Follow along with season six of Giving Done Right for candid, urgent, and ultimately hopeful conversations about how to make your charitable giving as effective, and as meaningful, as it can be.

Introducing: Season 6 of Giving Done Right

After 15 years at CEP and more than 50 episodes co-hosting Giving Done Right, Grace Nicolette is stepping away. In this special episode, Phil Buchanan turns the microphone to her. Together they look back on how philanthropy has shifted over the past decade and a half, from the rise of multi-year general operating support to the risks of inaction in a moment of crisis?

Grace shares the guests and stories that have stayed with her, including April Tam Smith, Jeremy Lin, and a give and take with GiveDirectly's Paul Niehaus over effective altruism. She also opens up about the personal threads running through her career: her faith, her parents' own story of generosity, and the family reasons drawing her toward her next chapter. Through it all, one idea keeps surfacing for Grace: in philanthropy, relationships matter most.

Resources:

A Fond Farewell to a Catalyst of CEP’s Growth and Evolution

Relationships Matter: Program Officers, Grantees, and the Keys to Success

A Special Goodbye from Grace

We want to hear from you about how the conversations on this podcast are making a difference in your approach to philanthropy. If our show has helped you, we want to hear about it! Can you take a few moments to send us a voice memo to gdrpodcast@cep.org? 

Please include your name, institutional affiliation if you have one, role, and the answer to these questions: What specific ways has Giving Done Right influenced your giving and the way you think about philanthropy? And if it hasn't, what topics would you like to hear that would help?

Share your voice memo with us at gdrpodcast@cep.org. We can’t wait to hear from you! Thanks for listening!

We Need Your Help

As the current federal administration makes sweeping cuts to social safety net programs, political divisions deepen, and the guardrails of American democracy are tested, what is philanthropy’s role in this precarious time? 

In the final episode of this season, Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette interview New York Times columnist and podcast host Ezra Klein live at CEP’s 2025 conference. Klein contends that America needs to renew a politics of plenty, face up to the failures of liberal governance, and abandon what he calls the chosen scarcities that have deformed American life. But what does this analysis mean for philanthropy, particularly at a moment of so many competing and urgent crises?



Additional Resources:

“Mounting Pressure: U.S. Foundations and Nonprofits on the 2025 Political Climate”

Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Ph.D. on the Giving Done Right podcast

“Abundance,” by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson

Ezra Klein on Philanthropy’s Role at a Precarious Time

Effective disaster giving often begins before a disaster even occurs. So says Patty McIlreavy, president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, in this popular episode from the Giving Done Right archives. In conversation with hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette, Patty offers insight into how donors can support disaster prevention by focusing on reducing vulnerabilities as well as support recovery efforts, and the most common pitfalls for donors to consider when responding to disasters. Patty shares her deep expertise on what can make disaster giving successful (or unsuccessful) and the three discuss examples that still hold lessons for donors looking to mitigate disasters — or prevent them — today. 



Additional Resources:

Center for Disaster Philanthropy

From Rapid Response to Sustainable Solutions: Disaster Response and Recovery in Post-Earthquake Haiti – Harvard Humanitarian Initiative Report

“Complex Humanitarian Emergencies: Where Crisis, Conflict, Climate, and COVID Meet” – Center for Disaster Philanthropy

Disasters, Dollars And Decisions: Lessons For Nonprofits To Prioritize Where And How To Help – Forbes

Unprecedented Times Call For Unprecedented Actions – Forbes

Asset-Based Framing: Trabian Shorters

Lessons on Disaster Giving With Patty McIlreavy

Federal funding cuts and increased demand for their services have left nonprofits across the country and issue areas reeling, with many questioning whether they will survive. The consequences are stark, given the vital work nonprofits do in communities across the country. In this episode, CEP Vice President of Research Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Ph.D. shares just-collected data on what nonprofits are experiencing, exploring questions like which nonprofits have been hardest hit and what steps organizations are taking to respond. 

She also talks with Phil Buchanan about data on the foundation response to the situation, exploring lessons for individual and institutional donors alike. Smith Arrillaga argues that the existential challenges nonprofits are facing require bold, values-driven responses from donors.



Additional Resources:

New CEP Research: “Mounting Pressure: U.S. Foundations and Nonprofits on the 2025 Political Climate”

CEP’s annual “State of Nonprofits” report for 2025, published May 2025

March 2025 CEP Research snapshot: “Challenging Times”

A compilation of additional resources for funders on responding to the current context on the CEP blog

Mounting Pressure on Nonprofits: What Donors Need to Know with Elisha Smith Arrillaga

This week on Giving Done Right, we’re introducing you to another podcast we love: Nonprofits Now: Leading Today, from The Chronicle of Philanthropy. In this episode, two leaders, Kathleen St. Louis Caliento and Nick Grono, join Chronicle CEO Stacy Palmer to explain how they have engaged their board in financial efforts. 

As nonprofits face economic headwinds — including losses in federal funding, rising costs, and the possibility of a global recession — nonprofit boards play an increasingly essential role. Trustees help with strategy and can also be powerful donors and fundraisers. Yet fewer than a quarter of respondents to a Chronicle survey described their board members as enthusiastic fundraisers. 

Grono and St. Louis Caliento share their advice on how to inspire boards to champion your mission and share insights from their shared experience of working with trustees to manage unrestricted, multimillion-dollar grants from MacKenzie Scott. 

St. Louis Caliento runs Cara Collective, a Chicago nonprofit that helps low-income people find jobs. Grono heads the Freedom Fund, an organization that pools funds from donors who want to fight modern-day slavery. He’s the author of “How to Lead Nonprofits: Turning Purpose into Impact to Change the World,” published in 2024.

How to Get Boards to Help With Fundraising, From The Chronicle of Philanthropy

What happens when education reform takes place without the input or engagement of the young people who will experience its effects? Conversely, what happens when youth voices lead the way to change? Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette sit down with their CEP colleague David McKinney, vice president of YouthTruth — a CEP initiative — to discuss how systematically listening to young people at scale can transform education, both at the school and system level. 

David shares not only his own formative experiences facing exclusion as a young person, but draws on data collected from more than 3 million student surveys YouthTruth has administered to offer powerful examples of how schools have used student voice to close achievement gaps, address bullying, improve belonging, and build stronger communities. He also challenges common assumptions that have undergirded education reforms for decades, including top-down approaches and using common metrics of success, like test scores, in isolation. 

Additional Resources:

YouthTruth

Aspen Institute

TNTP

Public Allies

YouthTruth’s “Youth Civic Empowerment” Report

“The Anti-Bullying Report” from YouthTruth 

Questions about YouthTruth’s work? Reach out to David at david.mckinney@youthtruth.org

Building Better Schools: David McKinney on Why Student Voice Matters

How does the "model minority myth" impact how funders view and support Asian immigrant communities? What role do disaggregated data play in ensuring their thriving? In a conversation with Ben Hires, CEO of the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC), hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette dig into the vast array of services that BCNC — and nonprofits like it — provide and the crucial role they play in mitigating the challenging realities facing Asian immigrants today, from ICE enforcement creating a climate of fear to long-standing funding gaps that leave essential services underfunded. 

Ben explains why translation services as well as robust and disaggregated datasets are foundational to ensuring immigrant communities are well served, and why supporting both direct services and systemic change isn't an either-or proposition, but “a both-and.” Despite mounting challenges, Ben's message is unshakably optimistic: "The immigrant community, in particular, we know is resilient and strong and is not going away." 



Additional Resources

Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) 

Pao Arts Center 

Overlooked, Part One: Foundation Support for Asian American and Pacific Islander Leaders and Communities

The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) 

STAATUS Index by TAAF

The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation

Asian Pacific Islander Civic Action Network in Massachusetts

Beyond the Model Minority Myth: Ben Hires on Supporting AAPI Communities

Is the fundamental right to give according to one’s values under attack in America? Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette talk with two influential foundation leaders who are sounding the alarm and fighting back. Tonya Allen, president of the McKnight Foundation, and John Palfrey, president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, discuss the Unite in Advance initiative — a coalition defending philanthropic rights — and the broader issue of giving as a crucial first amendment right. 

The conversation explores why these leaders believe we're at a critical moment for U.S. civil society, how funders can increase their giving while continuing work on big goals like racial equity and halting climate change, and what individual donors can do to protect the American tradition of charitable giving. 





Unite in Advance

McKnight Foundation

John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

CEP Blog: “A Wave Forming? Funders Taking Action in Response to a Challenging Context”

Council on Foundations

Independent Sector

National Council of Nonprofits

GroundBreak Coalition

More Perfect

Press Forward

Giving Done Right episode featuring Julie Butner

Defending the Freedom to Give with Tonya Allen and John Palfrey

What does it mean to tell the Muslim American story of generosity? Why is it important to talk about "religious justice" in philanthropy alongside other forms of justice? These are questions that President of the WF Fund and philanthropic advocate Dilnaz Waraich explores with hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette as she shares her journey from kitchen table conversations about giving back to leading narrative change work that highlights Muslim American generosity.

In this episode, Dilnaz discusses Islamic principles behind charitable giving, why trust-based philanthropy requires humility, and how interfaith bridge-building strengthens communities. She also offers candid insights about her mistakes as a donor, the power of storytelling in philanthropy, and why "you're just enough" might be the encouragement hesitant donors need to hear right now.

Additional Resources

WF Fund

Inspired Generosity: stories of Muslim American generosity

National Center for Family Philanthropy

Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy

“The Next Day” by Melinda French Gates

Connections for the Homeless

Equal Justice Initiative

PBS documentary series: “American Muslims: A History Revealed”

Faith, Generosity, and Justice: Dilnaz Waraich on Muslim American Giving

President of the Democracy Fund Joe Goldman offers both urgency and clarity for donors concerned about the U.S.’ democratic backslide into authoritarianism in this conversation. As the second Trump administration consolidates power, he offers a practical three-part framework for strategic, democracy-focused giving: strengthening guardrails, powering breakthrough strategies, and working toward reconstruction. 

In a conversation that grapples with difficult questions about donor fear and the paralyzing sense of overwhelm that many feel when considering the breadth of threats to democracy right now, Goldman shares specific examples of organizations doing critical work, and an array of ways that donors can get involved. His message is clear: "Courage breeds more courage. Solidarity breeds more solidarity."



Additional Resources

Democracy Fund

Democracy Fund Voice

Free DC

Press Forward

More Equitable Democracy

Protect Democracy

Democracy Forward

Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown Law

Government Accountability Project

GovAct

States United

Community Change

New America

Demos

Unite in Advance 

“Hope in the Dark” by Rebecca Solnit

“Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil” by Hannah Arendt

An Anti-Authoritarian Playbook for Donors With Joe Goldman

As ICE raids and warrantless arrests by masked federal agents take place around the U.S., Angelica Salas, executive director of CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights), joins hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette to discuss the unprecedented scale of current immigration enforcement and its implications for everyone.

Angelica sheds light on what is happening on the streets and in processing and detention centers, including how individuals are being "disappeared,” due process is being denied, and the infrastructure supporting immigrant integration is being systematically dismantled. She also shares how CHIRLA and other immigrant rights organizations are fighting back through rapid response, documentation, advocacy, and in the courts. She offers hope through the remarkable story of how CHIRLA’s community stepped up to support them and the gathering tide of courage shown by advocates, activists, donors, and others. 

In what she calls "a defining moment for our country" with implications well beyond immigration, she urges donors to support the ecosystem of immigrant rights, and shares her optimism that the U.S. can continue to be a country “built out of the many.”



Additional Resources:

CHIRLA - The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights

Raids Rapid Response Network (California)

Center for Migration Studies

National Day Labor Organizing Network

“Trump is Building His Own Paramilitary Force,” The Ezra Klein Show - The New York Times Opinion (podcast mentioned by Grace)

International Institute of Los Angeles

A Defining Moment for Democracy: Angelica Salas on the Immigration Crisis

Donors looking to make a difference in their local communities can turn to community foundations — local philanthropic institutions driven by giving “of, by, and for the people” and rooted in the goal of creating thriving communities. In this episode, Phil and Grace are joined in conversation by three community foundation leaders: Dick Ober, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, LaTida Smith, president of the Winston-Salem Foundation, and Alesha Washington, president and CEO of the Seattle Foundation. 

In sharing their experiences and approaches, these CEOs encourage donors to embrace their power to engage and effect change in their own community. They reflect on thorny issues including working across ideological lines, supporting often under-appreciated nonprofits and their staff, and the proliferation of giving options for donors. They also explore how to ensure money doesn't sit in institutions, but gets out the door to organizations working in communities.

Additional Resources:

CEP Report: What Donors Value: How Community Foundations Can Increase Donor Satisfaction, Referrals, and Future Giving

Community Foundation Locator, by Council on Foundations

Winston-Salem Foundation

Seattle Foundation

New Hampshire Charitable Foundation

Data on Declining U.S. Donor Participation, from the Lily Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University

CEP Reports: State of Nonprofits 2025, 2024, and 2023

Effecting Change at the Local Level: Wisdom from Community Foundation CEOs

What happens when $2.83 billion disappears from women's rights funding globally? Conversely, what is possible when donors break out of traditional silos to work collaboratively with the goal of abundance and liberation for all? Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette talk with Happy Mwende Kinyili, co-executive director of global feminist fund Mama Cash to explore this unprecedented crisis — and discover surprising reasons for hope.

Happy shares powerful stories from Kenya to Argentina, explaining how participatory grantmaking creates lasting change and why "the people who've gotten us into this mess aren't going to get us out of it." For donors feeling overwhelmed by massive global needs or the frustrating retrenchments of recent years, Happy offers their own mother's wisdom: "Don't try to do everything, do something." Learn how small actions can have huge impact, why trust-based philanthropy works, and how co-leadership models are reshaping organizations.

Additional Resources

Mama Cash

Green Girls Platform

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

Urgent Action Fund

Mark Suzman on the Giving Done Right Podcast

CEP’s Three Year Study on the Impact of MacKenzie Scott’s Large, Unrestricted Gifts

Happy Mwende Kinyili on Building a Global, Grassroots Feminist Movement

As federal funding cuts shift more responsibility for food insecurity to local communities, Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette talk with Julie Butner, president and CEO of the Tarrant Area Food Bank, one of the largest food banks in the United States serving 13 counties around Fort Worth, Texas.

Julie reveals that food bank clients are often working families who simply can't afford basic necessities and explains how modern food banks have evolved far beyond emergency food distribution to address root causes through healthcare partnerships, nutrition education, and community gardens. This eye-opening conversation challenges common misconceptions about who needs food assistance and addresses debates about the roles of government and private philanthropy. Julie also offers practical guidance on how donors can make the greatest impact, whether through volunteering, financial support, or advocacy.



Additional Resources

Tarrant Area Food Bank 

United for ALICE data

Feeding America food bank locator

Federal Cuts, Local Food Banks, and what Donors Can Do With Julie Butner

The dismantling of USAID has created the most profound crisis in international development in decades, threatening to reverse years of progress in public health globally. In the season five premier of Giving Done Right, Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette talk with Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, about what this means and how donors can respond.

Suzman also shares candid insights about the Gates Foundation's work, including its evolving strategy and Bill Gates' recent announcement committing to spending down $200+ billion in assets by 2045. He offers advice to donors on making a difference in large-scale, global efforts, shares why "one of the huge comparative advantages of philanthropy is being able to take a little bit of risk," and speaks to the role of AI in programs from math education to innovative HIV prevention. 



Additional Resources

Gates Philanthropy Partners

CARE

Save the Children

UNICEF

Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria

Friends of the Global Fight

The End Fund

YouthTruth

YouthTruth report, “Making Sense of Learning Math: Insights From the Student Experience”

The Gates Foundation’s announcement about spending down

Mark Suzman on Funding Urgent Needs

As shifts to federal policy and funding profoundly impact domestic nonprofits and civil society as well as international aid, it has never been more vital that donors act decisively, urgently, and wisely.  

 This season, on the Giving Done Right podcast, hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette dive deep with philanthropic and nonprofit leaders and experts to shed light on the rapidly shifting landscape of need and the crucial but complex role of charitable giving in filling critical gaps. They’ll tackle pressing questions many donors are grappling with right now, from how to think about their giving as key government institutions and social safety nets are dismantled, to how everyday donors can effectively support democratic institutions. Follow along with season five of Giving Done Right for crucial, informative, and uplifting conversations about how to make your charitable giving as effective – and joyful — as it can be.

Introducing: Season 5 of Giving Done Right

Nashlie Sephus, Ph.D. brought her passion for technology and experience as an entrepreneur back to her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi to bridge the technology gap and plant the seeds for a thriving community. Nashlie joins Phil and Grace in the season four finale to share how the nonprofit she founded, Bean Path, went from informal drop-in hours at the local library to a vital community organization with event spaces, expert-taught courses, and a growing track record of success in helping people of all ages gain essential tech skills. Nashlie also shares what surprised her about moving from the business world to running a nonprofit and offers advice for other donors with a vision. 

Additional Resources
The Bean Path
Praxis
Society of Women Engineers

Giving Back to Your Hometown with Bean Path’s Nashlie Sephus

Philanthropy has been the subject of intensifying criticism, so how should donors think about their role in creating a better world? Beth Breeze, Ph.D., director of the Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Kent, has spent more than a decade examining and responding to critiques of philanthropy, most recently authoring the 2021 book, “In Defence of Philanthropy.” In conversation with Phil and Grace, she makes the case that the critics are largely getting it wrong, overlooking the positive results of giving and the unique role that civil society and nonprofits play in any thriving democracy.

Additional Resources
In Defence of Philanthropy by Beth Breeze
University of Kent Centre for Philanthropy
Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand Giridharadas
Munk Debate on Billionaire Philanthropy: Rob Reich vs. Beth Breeze
The Roddick Foundation
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe

Taking on Philanthropy’s Toughest Critiques with Beth Breeze

As we begin a new year, we’re sharing a classic from the Giving Done Right archive in which Phil and Grace talk with Paul Niehaus, co-founder and chairman of GiveDirectly. Paul discusses the power of direct cash transfers – how they work, why trusting those in need with cash can be extremely effective, and when certain issue areas might warrant a different philanthropic approach. They also discuss the effective altruism movement and how to consider giving domestically versus internationally.
Additional Resources
GiveDirectly
Cash transfer research via GiveDirectly
GiveWell
The Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically by Peter Singer
Universal Basic Income project in Kenya

Giving Cash to Those in Need with Paul Niehaus of GiveDirectly

From his days as mayor of San Antonio, Texas to serving as a Cabinet Secretary under former President Barack Obama to leading the nation's largest Latino-serving foundation, Julián Castro has always sought to create positive change in people's lives. As CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, Julián joins Phil and Grace to discuss his vision for a thriving Latino community in the U.S., sharing how philanthropy can enhance civic engagement and improve educational, health, and employment outcomes for Latinos. They also delve into the implications of the 2024 election results, including the shift rightward among at least a segment of Latino voters, the incoming Trump administration’s potential implementation of mass deportations, and challenges to the nonprofit sector broadly including proposed legislation in Congress.
Additional Resources
Latino Community Foundation
UnidosUS 
H.R.9495 - Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act

Julián Castro on Supporting a Diverse Latino Community after Trump’s Win

Jeff and Tricia Raikes, co-founders of the Raikes Foundation, join Phil and Grace to share their path to philanthropy, their focus on creating supportive systems and fostering belonging for youth, and their belief in proximity and partnership with both nonprofits and beneficiaries of their funding. They discuss what they learned as they transitioned to full-time philanthropy and how donors can avoid common pitfalls. Phil and Jeff also debate the merits of comparing giving to investing. 

Additional Resources
Raikes Foundation
CEP’s Grantee Perception Report
YouthTruth
Giving Compass’ Learning Center
CEP’s Resources for Individual Donors
Solidaire Network
Women Donors Network
Find your local community foundation

Get Curious and Stay the Course: Advice for Donors from Philanthropists Jeff and Tricia Raikes

Stephen Heintz, president and CEO of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, joins Phil and Grace to discuss the results of the 2024 presidential election, whether there is merit to the argument of journalist Ezra Klein and others that certain nonprofit organizations are having an outsized impact on the Democratic party, the role of nonprofits in a functioning democracy, and what it will take to rebuild trust across ideological divides. Stephen offers insight into the long-term, community-based work he believes will help nurture civic engagement and bolster democracy, suggesting both where donors can give as well as actions they can take. He also shares the story behind the Rockefeller Brothers Fund decision to be a leader in the movement to divest from fossil fuels, and the unexpected ripple effects that created.

Additional Resources
When Will Democrats Learn to Say No? by Adam Jentleson in the New York Times
The End of the Obama Coalition - Michael Lind on The Ezra Klein Show
“The New Class War: Saving Democracy from the Managerial Elite” by Michael Lind
Ezra Klein on Where Democrats Go From Here - Pod Save America 
Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century
American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Brennan Center for Justice
Dēmos
Eric Liu on Revitalizing Faith in American Democracy - The Giving Done Right Podcast
Citizen University
Habits of the Heart and Mind: How to Fortify Civic Culture
Trust for Civic Life

What Does a Trump Victory Mean for Nonprofits and Donors Focused on Democracy? With Stephen Heintz

Father-daughter duo Mike Bontrager and Stephanie Almanza join Phil and Grace to share their approach to building both for-profit and nonprofit ventures in their local community that are rooted in trust, partnership, and shared goals. Mike offers insight into how he found success in the financial industry by putting trust ahead of profit and how that principle has informed his philanthropic and entrepreneurial ventures in his hometown of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The two also discuss how they chose to invest locally and the way they work in partnership with other community nonprofits, city government, and their neighbors to help build a thriving community.

Additional Resources
Square Roots Collective
Voices Underground Project
Praxis Labs
The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America’s Soul From the Revolution to the Civil War by Andrew Delbanco
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

Giving Locally with Mike Bontrager and Stephanie Almanza

What can donors do to address the seemingly intractable problem of homelessness? Susan Thomas, president of the Melville Charitable Trust, joins Phil and Grace to discuss the systems and barriers in place in the U.S. that result in well over a half million unhoused Americans. Susan draws on her own personal and familial story as well as decades of experience, arguing that homelessness and structural racism are intrinsically linked, both historically and today.

Additional Resources
Melville Charitable Trust
The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap by Mehrsa Baradaran
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee
Listen to “Heather McGhee on the Zero Sum Lie” on the Giving Done Right podcast

Tackling the Root Causes of Homelessness with Susan Thomas

Phil and Grace invite their CEP colleagues Elisha Smith Arrillaga and Kevin Bolduc to the recording studio for a candid and lively conversation that covers nonprofit-donor relationships, big gifts, trust in philanthropy, and the challenges facing nonprofits right now. The four bring their considerable collective experience and CEP’s data-based insights to bear on crucial questions like how donors can best support the causes they believe in, what everyday donors can learn from MacKenzie Scott’s approach to giving, how to think about trust in donor-nonprofit relationships, how to be an effective nonprofit board member, and more. For donors looking to embrace nuance and up their giving ‘game,’ this episode is a must-listen.

Additional Resources
State of Nonprofits 2024: What Funders Need to Know
CEP’s research on the impact of MacKenzie Scott’s giving: “Giving Big: The Impacts of Large, Unrestricted Gifts on Nonprofits” and “Emerging Impacts: The Effects of MacKenzie Scott’s Large, Unrestricted Gifts”
More CEP research
Trust-Based Philanthropy Project
Candid’s insights on nonprofit leadership demographics
Resources on board effectiveness from BoardSource
CEP’s Grantee Perception Report and other assessments

Avoid the Myths and Give Smarter with Elisha Smith Arrillaga and Kevin Bolduc

Nearly everyone will age or be in a caregiving role for aging relatives at some point in their life, yet relatively few major donors or foundations make aging an explicit priority. In this episode, Phil and Grace discuss the importance of enabling everyone to age with dignity with Ramsey Alwin, president and CEO of the National Council on Aging, and Chad Federwitz, manager of Pitkin County Senior Services in Aspen, Colorado. Ramsey and Chad offer insight into the numerous opportunities for donors to support aging programs, from research and advocacy to local community efforts and discuss the vital role that senior centers and community programs play. 

Additional Resources
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Grantmakers in Aging
Information on the Older Americans Act for advocates
Eldercare Locator - find services for older adults and their families

Who Gets to Age with Dignity? Featuring Ramsey Alwin and Chad Federwitz

What role do leaders play in the success of nonprofits and how can donors better support effective nonprofit leaders? Phil and Grace chat with Yolanda Coentro, president and CEO of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice about her own journey to leadership and the unique set of challenges that nonprofit leaders face. They also discuss funding dynamics that prioritize programs over people, burnout, and the role of identity as a leader.

Additional Resources
Institute for Nonprofit Practice (INP)
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Fund the People
CEP’s State of Nonprofits 2024: What Funders Need to Know
Find CEP’s reports on grantmaker responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and greater focus on racial equity here. 
Trust-Based Philanthropy Project

Investing in Nonprofit Leaders with Yolanda Coentro

What happens when you give cash to those in need? In this episode, Phil and Grace discuss direct cash transfers in conversation with Jesús Gerena, president and CEO of UpTogether. Jesús shares insight into how individuals who receive cash transfers invest in themselves, their families, and their communities. Jesús, Grace, and Phil consider attitudes of paternalism and mistrust of the poor among donors. They also discuss related concepts and ideas such as basic income movements and effective altruism. 

Additional Resources
UpTogether
The Urban Institute’s evaluation of the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot
Center for Guaranteed Income Research at the University of Pennsylvania
GiveDirectly
CEP’s research on the impact of MacKenzie Scott’s giving

Fighting Poverty with Direct Cash Transfers, Featuring Jesús Gerena

Could AI help us tackle intractable social problems and create a more just and equitable world? Vilas Dhar, president and trustee of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, believes so. In this episode, Phil and Grace ask Vilas about his vision for how AI can play a pivotal role in promoting equity. Vilas makes the case that now is the time for philanthropy and donors to step in, ensuring that the technology is built ethically. Phil and Grace address many of the fears and hesitations donors may have about AI with Vilas, and learn about the McGovern Foundation’s work to equip nonprofits with AI tools to magnify their impact.

Additional Resources
Patrick J McGovern Foundation
Vilas Dhar on the CEP blog: Consumers to Creators: Philanthropy and Nonprofits Can Build AI for Impact

Harnessing AI for a Better World with Vilas Dhar

How can donors support a revitalization of civic engagement and a renewed commitment to democratic citizenship? Eric Liu, co-founder CEO of Citizen University, joins Phil and Grace to discuss the crisis in civic faith, our individual power to effect positive change in our communities, and the importance of supporting literacy in power. He also exhorts donors to recognize that democracy and citizenship go beyond electoral politics, addresses the difficult question of when to engage in bridging and when it may be unproductive, and speaks to the importance of inviting youth into the conversation.

Additional Resources
Citizen University
You’re More Powerful Than You Think: A Citizen’s Guide to Making Change Happen by Eric Liu
Whitney Kimball Coe, Director of National Programs, Center for Rural Strategies, The Aspen Institute 
Report: Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century
Report: Youth Civic Empowerment: Insights from the Student Experience
Report: Habits of Heart and Mind: How to Fortify Civic Culture

Eric Liu on Revitalizing Faith in American Democracy

Long Family Foundation Executive Director Vivian Long joins Phil and Grace to discuss her family’s approach to giving together, navigating intergenerational philanthropic priorities, and the long-term commitment from funders that true transformation requires. Vivian also addresses the Long Family Foundation’s approach to building close relationships with grantees and their focus on the “how” of giving. She also shares her family’s story of humble beginnings and her own path to leadership at the family foundation, and the surprises that came with it. 

Additional Resources
The Long Family Foundation
CEP’s Overlooked reports on the experience of AAPI nonprofit leaders and Native American nonprofit leaders with funders: Overlooked, Part One and Overlooked, Part Two
The Science of Productive Conflict | WorkLife with Adam Grant
Starfish Project

One Family’s Quest for Lasting Impact with Vivian Long

President of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker joins Phil and Grace for a conversation about bold philanthropic leadership, inequality, and the importance of investing in institutions that fight for justice. On the heels of his announcement that he will be stepping down, Darren also reflects on accomplishments and regrets from his tenure. In addition, Phil and Darren offer their different takes on whether “philanthropic pluralism” is really under threat.

Additional Resources:
Ford Foundation
“We Disagree on Many Things, but We Speak with One Voice in Support of Philanthropic Pluralism,” op-ed in The Chronicle of Philanthropy by Darren Walker and others
“Who Is Threatening ‘Philanthropic Freedom’” by Phil Buchanan, a response to the above op-ed
“Finding Philanthropy’s Forgotten Founder” by Darren Walker

Funding the Fight for Justice with Darren Walker

Climate scientist, author, and climate policy expert Ayana Elizabeth Johnson joins Giving Done Right hosts Phil and Grace to discuss “what if we get it right” on climate – and the role philanthropy can play in implementing climate solutions. Ayana discusses the opportunities for individuals to take climate action through philanthropy as well as the importance of choosing where and how we invest our wealth. In this wide-ranging discussion on the possibilities of climate action, Ayana offers guidance for finding your niche in climate action both as individuals and as philanthropists.

Additional Resources:
“What if We Get it Right: Visions of Climate Futures” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
CEP’s Report Much Alarm, Less Action: Foundations and Climate Change
Climate Action Venn Diagram
TED Talk: How to Find Joy in Climate Action
More writing, talks, and resources from Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
The Crucial Years: Writing by Bill McKibben
EarthJustice
LeadLocally.org
Environmental Voter Project
The All We Can Save Project
Urban Ocean Lab

What if We Get it Right? Ayana Elizabeth Johnson on Collective Climate Action

Hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette are excited to bring you season four of the Giving Done Right podcast, the show on everything you need to know to make an impact with your charitable giving.
 This season, Phil and Grace cover a range of topics, including what donors can do about climate change, the power of direct cash transfers, the potential risks and opportunities associated with the use of AI, and the importance of investing in nonprofit leadership. Tune in to hear from leaders like climate scientist and author Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, CEO and co-founder of Citizen University Eric Liu, and president and CEO of UpTogether Jesús Gerena. 
 Subscribe on  Apple Podcasts,  Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Introducing: Season 4 of Giving Done Right

In the season three finale of the Giving Done Right podcast, hosts Phil and Grace pull back the curtain on new Center for Effective Philanthropy research:  Giving Big: The Impact of Large, Unrestricted Gifts on Nonprofits. Phil and Grace discuss how the idea to study the impact of MacKenzie Scott’s gifts on their recipients came about, the approach to the research, the key findings of the study about the experiences of the nonprofit leaders who have received these gifts, and implications for other donors.

MacKenzie Scott's Lessons on Giving with Phil and Grace

Home Depot co-founder and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United teams, Arthur Blank joins episode seven of season 3, alongside President and Director of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Fay Twersky. Arthur and Fay discuss the values-driven approach of the Blank Family Foundation with hosts Phil and Grace. Arthur also shares insight into how he and his family take a collaborative approach to decision-making within the foundation and how he identified the right leader in Fay to lead the work forward. Fay speaks to finding fit and values-alignment when choosing to work with a family foundation, and both speak of the impact of their Jewish faith on their giving and vocations.

Family Philanthropy and Big Business with Arthur Blank and Fay Twersky

In the sixth episode of season 3, philanthropists Vinh and Leisle Chung share their remarkable stories of coming to the U.S. as a refugee and an immigrant, respectively, and how early experiences being on the receiving end of generosity have deeply shaped their own giving. They also discuss the way that generosity is passed down through generations by example, the intangible and invaluable benefits that philanthropy brings the giver, and their journey to orienting the mission of their medical practice around giving both locally and internationally.

How Our Stories Shape Our Giving with Vinh and Leisle Chung

Author and activist Heather McGhee joins hosts Phil and Grace for the fifth episode of season three. Heather provides keen insight into ‘drained pool’ politics, a core metaphor in her book, The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together, that reveals how the racial zero sum mindset hurts everyone. She presents a compelling picture of how racial inequality cuts across any number of issues that donors may care about, and therefore needs to be deeply considered and addressed in order to be effective in giving. She also describes “the solidarity dividend,” the significant benefits that result when people come together across differences, and she shares her reasons for feeling optimistic about the future.

Heather McGhee on the Zero Sum Lie

In the fourth episode of season 3, hosts Phil and Grace are joined by Allison Sesso, president and CEO of RIP Medical Debt. Allison discusses the enormous stigma and burden of medical debt in the U.S. healthcare system and provides insight into the organization’s innovative model of canceling that debt. She also pushes back on the idea that the nonprofit sector is stagnant and uninventive and shares about her organization’s experience receiving a $50 million gift from MacKenzie Scott.

Canceling Debt with Allison Sesso

Philanthropist and restaurateur April Tam Smith joins Grace on the Giving Done Right podcast to discuss her unique approach to giving, balancing philanthropic pursuits with a career in finance, and finding both purpose and friendship – as well as retaining humility – as a donor. April and her husband have taken a radically generous approach to giving; in specific chapters of their lives, they’ve done a “reverse tithe,” contributing up to 90 percent of their income to charitable causes. She discusses her philanthropic journey as well as running a nonprofit vegan restaurant in the heart of Times Square in New York City.

Radical Generosity with April Tam Smith

In the second episode of season three, hosts Phil and Grace are joined by Patty McIlreavy, president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), to discuss disasters, philanthropy’s responsibility for both prevention and recovery, and the most common pitfalls for donors responding to disasters. Patty shares her deep expertise on what can make a disaster response successful (or unsuccessful), discusses examples like the natural disasters in Haiti and Houston, and delves into issues of equity in disaster prevention and response.
 We love making this show, and we’re always trying to make it better for you. With that in mind, we've got a quick survey. Fill it out and you'll be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Bookshop. https://givingdoneright.org/survey/

Donors and Disasters with Patty McIlreavy

In the season 3 premiere of Giving Done Right, hosts Phil and Grace talk with Gladys Vega about her remarkable work leading Boston-area nonprofit La Colaborativa. In the first of eight episodes this season, Gladys takes us deep into her community and her organization’s work. She discusses the strengths of La Colaborativa’s approach, which is deeply integrated into the community it serves, revisits both the most difficult moments of the pandemic and the positive changes that emerged, and discusses how to make sustainable change through both direct service and advocacy work.

Rooted in Community with Gladys Vega

Being a wise and effective donor isn’t easy.
 That’s where Giving Done Right comes in — the podcast with everything you need to know to be a more effective giver. 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.

Introducing: A new season of Giving Done Right

In the season finale of Giving Done Right season two, CEP’s Phil and Grace talk with Paul Niehaus, co-founder and chairman of GiveDirectly. Paul discusses the power of direct cash transfers – how they work, why trusting those in need with cash can be extremely effective, and when certain issue areas might warrant a different philanthropic approach.

Giving Cash to Those in Need

In the penultimate episode of Giving Done Right season two, CEP’s Phil and Grace with Gloria Walton, president and CEO of The Solutions Project. Gloria focuses on the intersection of climate change and racial justice, the value of grassroots organizing and advocacy in moving an issue forward, and what it will take to move philanthropy toward truly transformative grantmaking.

Climate Change and Racial Justice

In this week’s episode of Giving Done Right, Phil and Grace talk with Liesel Pritzker Simmons, major donor and co-founder of impact investing firm Blue Haven Initiative. Liesel zeroes in on impact investing – what it is, how it works, and the role it plays in the philanthropic sector. She also discusses how applying an impact lens can minimize risk, and how policy change — like implementing a wealth tax — can go hand in hand with philanthropic and market-based approaches to social issues.

Investing for Impact

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.

The Heart and the Head

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.

The Arts and a Just World

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.

Unleashing Potential

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.

Finding Your Lane

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.

The Unifier

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.

Giving as a Family Affair

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

Small but Mighty

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.

Introducing: Season 2 of Giving Done Right

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.

Bonus Episode — Taking Stock: Philanthropy’s Role in Supporting Racial Equity

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.

No Easy Answers: The Hard Work of Giving Done Right

In Episode 6, Phil and Grace are joined by David Shapiro, CEO of MENTOR, a national nonprofit that works to drive equity through expanding quality mentoring relationships for young people. David talks with Grace and Phil about the rich tapestry of the nonprofit sector and makes the case for why supporting the people and relationships powering these organizations’ work can be a meaningful way for donors to have an impact.

Changing Lives: The Power of Relationships

In Episode 5, hosts Phil and Grace are joined by Chitra Hanstad, executive director of World Relief Seattle, Washington state’s largest refugee resettlement and services agency. Chitra talks with Grace and Phil about her experience leading a community-rooted organization — as well as discusses the ways in which donors’ behavior can either help or hinder her team’s work.

In Community, By Community, For Community

In Episode 4, hosts Phil and Grace are joined by Tiffany Cooper Gueye, COO at Blue Meridian Partners and former CEO of the national nonprofit, BellXcel. Tiffany draws on her experiences as both a nonprofit leader and a funder, as well as her expertise in measurement and evaluation, to talk with Grace and Phil about how donors can better understand what works — and how they can go beyond their traditional networks to identify and support organizations that are doing vital work.

Making and Measuring Impact

In Episode 3, hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette are joined by LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, an organization working to fight voter suppression and build power in marginalized, predominantly Black communities. LaTosha shares with Phil and Grace about her experience as an organizer and an intermediary and discusses the role that donors can play in strengthening democracy.
 For more resources on effective giving, check out the Center for Effective Philanthropy's website: cep.org
 Credits: Producer - Sarah Martin Music - “FasterFasterBrighter” by Blue Dot Sessions Artwork - Jay Kustka
 Want to send us a note? Contact us at gdrpodcast@cep.org

Holding up the Roof: How Philanthropy Can Bolster Democracy

In Episode two, hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette welcome Jason Hackmann, an entrepreneur and major donor whose name you won’t find in headlines, but who has quietly been investing deeply in efforts to end childhood slavery in Ghana. Jason discusses with Phil and Grace the role that personal experience and faith played in motivating him to identify and give meaningfully to a particular cause.
 For more resources on effective giving, check out the Center for Effective Philanthropy's website: cep.org
 Credits: Producer - Sarah Martin Music - “FasterFasterBrighter” by Blue Dot Sessions Artwork - Jay Kustka
 Want to send us a note? Contact us at gdrpodcast@cep.org

Giving Until it Hurts: Faith, Pain, and Purpose

In episode one, hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette talk with a powerhouse leader in philanthropy: Jacqueline Martinez Garcel, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation (LCF). Jacqueline discusses her work at LCF, the importance of investing in community leaders, the role of racial equity in giving effectively, and strategies for how donors can tap into their communities to find the right organizations to support. 
 For more resources on effective giving, check out the Center for Effective Philanthropy's website: cep.org
 Credits: Producer - Sarah Martin Additional editing & mixing - Mary McGrath Music - “FasterFasterBrighter” by Blue Dot Sessions Artwork - Jay Kustka
 Want to send us a note? Contact us at gdrpodcast@cep.org

Change, Not Charity

Join hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette from the Center for Effective Philanthropy as they welcome leaders from the nonprofit sector to answer philanthropy’s burning questions and bust some myths about giving that have long plagued donors and nonprofits alike. Subscribe now for updates.