If you want to hear real, relatable stories about the challenges & joys, dilemmas & successes behind and inherent in philanthropy, this podcast is for you. No jargon, no frills – just honest conversations with and about people who are working to make a difference in the world.
Join Philanthropy Advisor Stefanie Borsari and the Giving Voices listening community for geek-out sessions with philanthropists, donors, board members of private foundations, and their advisors.
And if you have a story to share, reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com (mailto:hello@givingvoicespodcast.com). I'd love to talk with you!
UnCharitable Movie Discussion with Rick Peck, The Philanthropy Guy
Why does the American public punish nonprofits for spending money? Why do we, as a society, apply different operating and economic standards to charitable entities than we do to commercial businesses? Rick Peck, independent philanthropy advisor with Richard C. Peck Consulting, LLC and founder of The Philanthropy Guy, LLC, joins me in discussing the full-length documentary film, UnCharitable, that aims to answer exactly those questions and more. Pop the popcorn, pour a drink, and consider this...
20 Jan 2025
Meaningful Moments: Deborah Goldstein, Founder and Principal of Enlightened Philanthropy
Deborah Goldstein and I cover the map today, going deep into a discussion about 'meaningful moments,' what is meant by the term 'philanthropic journey,' and how the word 'burden' is sometimes applied to the concept of philanthropy <-- what could possibly be burdensome about having such abundance that you can give money away?! As Founder and Principal of Enlightened Philanthropy and the creator and head counselor for Philanthropy Camp for Women, Deborah shares how her personal experience in...
10 Dec 2024
Complementary Forces for Good: John Farnam & Paul Heitzenrater
Philanthropists John Farnam & Paul Heitzenrater share their diverse community engagement strategies, leveraging time, treasure, and talent to address urgent and systemic issues in Denver.
26 Nov 2024
Because of Relationships: Valerie Kind-Rubin, Managing Trustee, Patricia Kind Family Foundation
Valerie Kind-Rubin shares her insights on navigating complex relationships as a family member and executive leader, revealing the power of patience, humility, and careful attention in achieving success.
19 Nov 2024
Season 2 Opener: Musings
Welcome Back, Giving Voices Community!In the Season 2 opener, I'm musing on the history of the word "philanthropy," attempts to break down that concept by applying the 5 Ts - globally understood to be Time, Talent, Treasure, Ties and Testimony - and on the importance of storytelling as a method for building understanding about philanthropy and the social sector. Bonus: For more about these topics, check out these resources referenced throughout the episode.The University of Kent Special...
11 Jun 2024
Everyone is a Philanthropist: Sara Lomelin, CEO of Philanthropy Together
“Giving Circles are not cute,” is just one of several strong points that Sara Lomelin, CEO of Philanthropy Together (https://philanthropytogether.org/team/sara-lomelin/) makes today. Sara shares her journey from being a Catholic schoolgirl in Mexico to now leading and advocating for the global movement of collective giving, a movement “by the people, for the people,” that – in the last 6 years – has moved $3.1 billion through 4,000 giving circles. You’re wrong if you think that you can’t be a philanthropist, and Sara will explain just why and how that is in this powerful episode.
Bonus: Several resources were mentioned in today’s episode:
Invitation to Disrupt Philanthropy, (https://www.ted.com/talks/sara_lomelin_your_invitation_to_disrupt_philanthropy) TED Talk delivered by Sara Lomelin in April 2022 – nearly 1,500,000 online views
Forbes 50 Over 50: 2023 list (https://www.forbes.com/50over50/impact?profile=sara-lomelin): Sara is listed in the Impact section
In Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the US (https://johnsoncenter.org/2023-us-collective-giving-research-initiative/) – research report that “explores the transformative impact of collective giving on philanthropy” and was developed in collaboration among Philanthropy Together (https://philanthropytogether.org/), Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, (https://johnsoncenter.org/2023-us-collective-giving-research-initiative/) and Colmena-Consulting (https://www.colmena-consulting.com/)
And if you’re inspired to join and help advance the collective giving movement, check out these free resources and coaching provided by Philanthropy Together (https://philanthropytogether.org/programs-resources/start-a-giving-circle-launchpad/).
Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!
Stefanie Borsari Consulting LLC (https://stefanieborsari.com/)
Stefanie Borsari, Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieborsari/)
Artwork by Justin Novick (https://www.justinnovick.com/)
Special Thanks to Daya Ottley (https://linktr.ee/DayaOttley)
28 May 2024
Philanthropy Matchmaker: Erinn Andrews, Founder & CEO of Give Team
Entrepreneur Erinn Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinn-andrews/), Founder & CEO of Give Team (https://www.thegiveteam.com/), shares her insights, research, and observations about the philanthropists we don’t usually hear about: donors giving between $10,000 - $50,000 annually (versus millions and billions every year). Her enthusiasm and passion for the social sector is abundant and is showcased in this conversation where she explains Give Team’s approach and offers guidance to those seeking to be more intentional and thoughtful about how we distribute our charitable dollars.
Bonus: Erinn referenced several resources that philanthropists – of any amount and interest – may find helpful in researching and exploring nonprofits, including Guidestar (https://www.guidestar.org/), Impala (https://impala.digital/), and Charity Navigator (https://www.charitynavigator.org/).
And to hear Erinn share more about how Give Team works in the sector, check out The Capital Club Podcast episode featuring her conversation (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/erinn-andrews-on-charitable-giving-as-part-of/id1541908039?i=1000619238383) with Brian C. Adams, Founder & President of Excelsior Capital (https://www.excelsiorgp.com/brian-adams/).
Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!
Stefanie Borsari Consulting LLC (https://stefanieborsari.com/)
Stefanie Borsari, Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieborsari/)
Artwork by Justin Novick (https://www.justinnovick.com/)
Special Thanks to Daya Ottley (https://linktr.ee/DayaOttley)
14 May 2024
Heritage: Chuck Knabusch, Trustee of Edward M. and Henrietta M. Knabusch Charitable Trusts 1 and 2
The words “heritage,” “humble,” and “help” are on repeat as Chuck Knabusch (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ctknabusch/) shares stories of the founding, history, and spending down of the Edward M. and Henrietta M. Knabusch Charitable Trust established by his grandfather. The foundation was set up to last only 30 years and, at the airing of this episode, is in its final months.
Bonus: Here’s a little more history of La-Z-Boy (https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/edward-knabusch-and-edwin-shoemaker), the furniture company Edward M. Knabusch, Chuck’s grandfather, founded with his cousin in 1927. It’s still located in Monroe, MI, the community in which it was established and that is the primary focus of the foundation's support.
Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!
Stefanie Borsari Consulting LLC (https://stefanieborsari.com/)
Stefanie Borsari, Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieborsari/)
Artwork by Justin Novick (https://www.justinnovick.com/)
Special Thanks to Daya Ottley (https://linktr.ee/DayaOttley)
23 Apr 2024
Because it’s the Right Thing To Do: LJ Borsari, Gen Z
Much has been studied and written about Generation Z (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Z), commonly considered to encompass those born between the mid-1990s (around 1995) to the mid-2010s (around 2010 or 2012). Whether any of what has been written is true I don't know, but I do agree with previous guest Emily Goodstein (https://www.greatergoodstrategy.com/about/emily-p-goodstein)'s assessment that "all the wisdom in the world is held by girls." Here is one such girl, LJ Borsari, who shares some of her thoughts about systemic issues and how philanthropy can be “the thing” that everyone can and should engage in to help solve those issues. (Full disclosure: LJ is my teenage daughter.)
Bonus: Global Giving (https://www.globalgiving.org/) is the organization through which LJ designated her $100 contribution. Since its founding in 2002, Global Giving has helped deploy nearly $925 million in support of more than 36,000 projects in 175+ countries. And UnCharitable (https://uncharitablemovie.com/) is the movie we referenced early in the episode. Although there are mixed reviews and varying levels of receptiveness to the film, LJ noted that it helped her understand what philanthropy is and what her mom does for work.
Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!
Stefanie Borsari Consulting LLC (https://stefanieborsari.com/)
Stefanie Borsari, Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieborsari/)
Artwork by Justin Novick (https://www.justinnovick.com/)
Special Thanks to Daya Ottley (https://linktr.ee/DayaOttley)
9 Apr 2024
Communications for the Greater Good: Emily Goodstein, CEO/Founder of Greater Good Strategy
Founder + CEO of Greater Good Strategy (https://www.greatergoodstrategy.com/) Emily Goodstein (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilygoodstein/) joins Giving Voices in today’s episode that centers around the theme of communication. We cover all manner of topics ranging from our mutual disappointment in the results of Exponent Philanthropy’s survey, “How Grantees Think Funders Should Improve” to whether Pinterest is still relevant, with lots of personal nuggets and professional observations in between.
Bonus: Here's that report from Exponent Philanthropy: How Grantees Think Funders Should Improve (https://www.exponentphilanthropy.org/publication/how-grantees-think-funders-should-improve/). What do you think? Drop me a line at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com!
Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!
Stefanie Borsari Consulting LLC (https://stefanieborsari.com/)
Stefanie Borsari, Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieborsari/)
Artwork by Justin Novick (https://www.justinnovick.com/)
Special Thanks to Daya Ottley (https://linktr.ee/DayaOttley)
26 Mar 2024
The Why and the How of the End: Featuring Tom Donley and Jenny Convey
Trustees from two generations of the sunsetting Donley Foundation, Tom Donley and Jenny Convey, speak frankly about the history, evolution, and decision to dissolve their family’s foundation. In just over one year following the board’s decision to spend-down, the assets were distributed, and the foundation closed. They’re honest, direct, reflective, and generous in sharing their experience and perspectives on helping to shepherd the next phase of the family’s philanthropy.
Bonus: Here are some excerpts from the brochure Tom mentions at the end of the episode: Jim Collins’ Good to Great and the Social Sectors (https://www.jimcollins.com/books/g2g-ss.html#articletop).
Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!
Stefanie Borsari Consulting LLC (https://stefanieborsari.com/)
Stefanie Borsari, Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieborsari/)
Artwork by Justin Novick (https://www.justinnovick.com/)
Special Thanks to Daya Ottley (https://linktr.ee/DayaOttley)
12 Mar 2024
Agog About Governance: Mary Phillips, Founder & Senior Advisor of GMA Foundations
What do stories about a rug, a cat, and the minister of a Congregational church have in common, and what do they have to do with philanthropy? You’ll understand once you hear Mary Phillips, founder and senior advisor of GMA Foundations (https://www.gmafoundations.com/), one of the country’s first philanthropic advisory firms, help explain myriad governance options for private foundations. If you’re contemplating starting a private foundation, this is a MUST LISTEN as you move forward!
Bonus: Mary spotlights one of her favorite professional stories – that being her early experience with a funder who desired to improve a neighborhood in Roxbury/North Dorchester, MA. The Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (https://www.dsni.org/), which continues to be an active and thriving grassroots organization, grew out of an important encounter between that funder and residents of the neighborhood the funder wished support. For a deeper understanding of DSNI, check out their website (https://www.dsni.org/), the book Streets of Hope: The Fall and Rise of an Urban Neighborhoo (https://www.amazon.com/Streets-Hope-Fall-Urban-Neighborhood/dp/0896084825)d and see if you can track down the documentaries Holding Ground: The Rebirth of Dudley Street (1996) and its sequel, Gaining Ground (2013).
Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!
Stefanie Borsari Consulting LLC (https://stefanieborsari.com/)
Stefanie Borsari, Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieborsari/)
Artwork by Justin Novick (https://www.justinnovick.com/)
Special Thanks to Daya Ottley (https://linktr.ee/DayaOttley)
27 Feb 2024
Trust: A conversation with Danielle Scott, President & CEO of the Pincus Family Foundation
Hello, Giving Voices Community!
Join Danielle Scott (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-y-scott-47321a97/) and me as we reflect on her 26-year path to leading the Pincus Family Foundation (http://www.pincusfamilyfoundation.org) as its first-ever President & CEO. With her trademark grace and vulnerability, Danielle highlights moments of growth and truth in working with the foundation, including her experience as a Black leader in the philanthropy sector, and reveals what she and the foundation are currently ‘in the middle of.’
Bonus: Here's a beautiful example of the trust-based philanthropy Danielle references. This article, "A case study in leveraging strategic partnerships through trust-based philanthropy," (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/nvsm.1835) was published in the Journal of Philanthropy and Marketing (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/26911361) on Friday, February 23, 2024, and is a perfect companion piece to this episode.
Enjoy!
Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!
Stefanie Borsari Consulting LLC (https://stefanieborsari.com/)
Stefanie Borsari, Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieborsari/)
Artwork by Justin Novick (https://www.justinnovick.com/)
Special Thanks to Daya Ottley (https://linktr.ee/DayaOttley)
12 Feb 2024
Two Friends Talking: featuring Steve Jakab, VP and Chief Development Officer of Yale New Haven Hospital
Greetings, Giving Voices community! Listen-in on my coffee chat with my longtime friend, Stephen Jakab (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-jakab-2b75b97/). As has been typical throughout our friendship, we cover a lot of territory!
With personal and professional observations and anecdotes, Steve talks about family legacy, describes a new joint philanthropic initiative connecting three generations of Jakabs, and shares a recent conversation with his son about meaningful engagement in the social change sector.
Bonus: Here's the Smithsonian Magazine (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/storied-nuanced-history-giving-180976363/)article that Steve references that defines philanthropy as "recognizing and supporting the humanity of others." And for more stories, research, and information about philanthropy, check out the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's Philanthropy Initiative (https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/topics/philanthropy).
Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!
Stefanie Borsari Consulting LLC (https://stefanieborsari.com/)
Stefanie Borsari, Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieborsari/)
Artwork by Justin Novick (https://www.justinnovick.com/)
Special Thanks to Daya Ottley (https://linktr.ee/DayaOttley)
18 Oct 2023
Story Behind the Stories: Inaugural Episode
Welcome to the “Giving Voices” community!
In this episode, I share the origin of this new podcast series, which features stories told by and about philanthropists. You’ll hear a bit about me (your host) and how “Giving Voices” evolved from a passion project concept to the development and production of a full-fledged show. My intention is to foster connections among stakeholders in the social change sector -- which is all of us, isn't it? -- by making philanthropy concepts and practice generally more accessible through discussions with donors and sector professionals.
Tune in to the Story Behind the Stories and let me know what you think!
Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!
Stefanie Borsari Consulting LLC (https://stefanieborsari.com/)
Stefanie Borsari, Linked In (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanieborsari/)
Artwork by Justin Novick (https://www.justinnovick.com/)
Special Thanks to Daya Ottley (https://linktr.ee/DayaOttley)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 20 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
12
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
Host of Giving Voices?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
