giving intelligence podcast

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Latest episode

Jul 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Giving Intelligence, a podcast dedicated to exploring the impact of leading non-profits and the meaningful ways to support their mission. Join us as we delve into the stories of organizations making a difference all around the world and learn about the challenges they face and the innovative solutions they bring to the table. With a focus on effective giving, we'll also be discussing the importance of making well-thought-out charitable contributions. While writing a check can do a lot of good, there are often more effective ways to give. Whether you're an experienced philanthropist

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32 recent

July 20, 202627 min

Sinead Chilton from School on Wheels

In this episode of the Giving Intelligence podcast, Mitchell Kraus speaks with Sinead Chilton of School on Wheels, a Southern California nonprofit providing free one-on-one tutoring and academic support to students experiencing homelessness. Founded in Santa Monica in 1993 by retired teacher Agnes Stevens, School on Wheels has grown from one teacher helping students with homework into a volunteer network of more than 1,500 tutors across Southern California. The organization supports students living in shelters, motels, vehicles, group homes, and on the streets, helping them stay connected to school during periods of instability. Sinead shares how she first became involved as a volunteer tutor more than 20 years ago, why the work became the highlight of her week, and how education can help students break the cycle of homelessness. She also discusses recent student success stories, including graduates featured by ABC7 Eyewitness News. The conversation also covers the challenges facing unhoused students and families, including hidden homelessness, the lack of affordable housing, funding pressures on shelters and nonprofits, and the trauma students face when housing, food, and school stability are uncertain. Sinead explains the many ways people can support School on Wheels, including tutoring one hour a week, becoming a monthly donor, organizing school supply and backpack drives, using corporate matching gifts, and encouraging companies to offer paid volunteer time. The episode is a reminder that giving can take many forms: time, talent, treasure, advocacy, and simple consistency. For students facing homelessness, one reliable adult showing up each week can make a lasting difference. Learn more about School on Wheels: https://www.schoolonwheels.org Watch the ABC7 segment featuring School on Wheels graduates and tutors: https://schoolonwheels.org/kabc-features-school-on-wheels-graduation-event/

April 29, 202622 min

Jennifer Cowan with Connections for Children

On this episode, we welcome Jennifer Cowan, Chief Executive Officer of Connections for Children. Jennifer leads an organization that for 50 years has been helping children, families, and child care providers across the Westside and South Bay connect to the resources, education, and support they need to thrive. In our conversation, we talk about why child care is far more than a parenting issue, how Connections for Children is making a difference on the ground, and what all of us can do to better support families and the people who care for our youngest children

March 12, 202625 min

Matt Coleman of Giving Multiplier

Today’s episode is about a simple but powerful idea: we all want our giving to matter. Most donors give from habit or emotion alone, supporting the same causes year after year. But as today’s guest, Matt Coleman, Executive Director of Giving Multiplier, explains, there are also opportunities to give in ways that can be dramatically more effective—sometimes doing far more good per dollar than we might expect. In this conversation, Matt shares how Giving Multiplier helps donors bridge the gap between the causes they care about personally and expert-recommended charities with exceptional impact. It is a practical, thoughtful approach that combines heart and head—allowing donors to support meaningful organizations while also increasing the effectiveness of their giving. As you listen, think about your own charitable giving. Are you giving the way you always have, or are there ways to make your generosity more intentional, more informed, and more impactful? This episode may help you take the next step. For more information on Giving Multiplier, visit https://givingmultiplier.org/intelligence

November 4, 202531 min

Suzanne Ehlers of USA for UNHCR

In today’s episode of The Giving Intelligence Podcast, we’ll explore what it really means to support refugees — not just through emergency aid, but through opportunity, education, and partnership. I’ll be talking with Suzanne Ehlers, Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR, the U.S. nonprofit that raises awareness and resources for the United Nations Refugee Agency. Suzanne shares how her organization connects American donors and partners with global humanitarian impact — from women-led philanthropy to scholarship programs helping refugee students rebuild their futures. After hearing this conversation, I hope you’ll take a fresh look at your own giving. Don’t just give out of habit — give with intention. Think about who you give to, why you give, and how you can make your generosity even more meaningful.

September 23, 202526 min

Jeff Schreifels of Virtas Group.

On this edition of Giving Intelligence, Mitchell is joined by Jeff Schreifels, one of the leading voices in major donor fundraising. Whether you’re a donor seeking a more meaningful way to give back or a nonprofit professional looking to engage your supporters better, this conversation is for you. Jeff shares powerful insights into what truly inspires generosity and how to feel more connected to the impact of giving. By the end, you’ll walk away with practical ideas to align resources with the legacy you want to create. For more information on Jeff Schreifels and Veritus Group, please visit www.veritusgroup.com . To learn more about Mitchell and how to better integrate charitable giving into your wealth management plan, please visit www.givingintelligence.com.

July 8, 202529 min

Laurie Herrick of Rainmaker Consulting

Join us for an enlightening episode of Giving Intelligence as we sit down with Laurie Herrick, founder of Rainmaker Consulting, to explore how nonprofits can build a stronger culture of philanthropy and engage donors more effectively. Laurie shares her journey from volunteer work with advocacy groups to launching Rainmaker Consulting in 2023 with the mission of helping nonprofits maximize their fundraising potential. In this conversation, Laurie discusses the power of an abundance mindset in philanthropy, recounting how shifting from scarcity thinking to an abundance approach led her to secure a seven-figure donor commitment. She also shares insights from her book Choose Abundance and explores the importance of deep, authentic relationships with donors and board members. Through real-world examples, Laurie demonstrates how organizations can increase donor retention and revenue by fostering a culture of connection and engagement. By the end of this episode, you'll feel inspired to rethink your approach to donor relationships and learn actionable strategies to cultivate lasting partnerships that drive sustainable impact. For more information on Laurie Herrick and Rainimaker Consulting, please visit their website rainmkr.com. To get a copy of Laurie’s book Choose Abundunce, please visit https://books2read.com/u/m066pM

June 10, 202525 min

Sarah Jakle of DemocraShe

Join us for an empowering episode of Giving Intelligence as we sit down with Sarah Jakle, the founder of DemocraShe, an organization dedicated to empowering high school girls to find their civic voice and consider running for office. Sarah shares her passion for helping young women overcome imposter syndrome and societal barriers to leadership, emphasizing that it is their birthright to hold office if they choose. In this episode, Sarah discusses the success stories of students who have already stepped into leadership roles and how DemocraShe provides both civic education and resilience skills. As she highlights the challenges her organization faces, including the need for funding and support for diverse, lower-income girls, you’ll feel inspired by the transformative impact of civic engagement on underserved communities. By the end of this conversation, you’ll learn about the critical role you can play—whether through giving, volunteering, or mentoring—in helping young women shape the future of leadership in this country. For more information on DemocraShe, please visit their website www.democrashe.org. Sarah Jakle’s email is sarah@democrashe.org

January 29, 202536 min

Mitchell on the Purpose Driven Advisor Podcast

Welcome to a special episode of the Giving Intelligence Podcast! While we usually explore the stories and strategies of others in the philanthropic world, today’s episode gives you a closer look at the heart of why I do what I do in the philanthropic space. This guest episode features a rerecording of my appearance on the Purpose Driven Advisor Podcast. In this conversation, I share the motivations behind my practice and how philanthropy has become a guiding principle in my work. You’ll hear about my mission to help clients align their wealth with their values, using their resources to create meaningful, lasting impact. I discuss how I guide individuals and families to think deeply about their legacies, channeling their financial success into purposeful giving that changes lives and strengthens communities. If you’ve ever wondered what inspires me to approach wealth management as a tool for driving positive change, this episode will give you a glimpse into my philosophy and the transformative power of philanthropy. Let’s dive in! Rob Brown and Truest Fan Coaching are not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial or Capital Intelligence Associates For more information on Rob Brown and Truest Fan Coaching please visit truestfan.com or look for the Purpose Driven Advisor podcast on your favorite podcast platform - for more information on how to better integrate charitable giving into your wealth management process or to have Mitchell speak on effective giving to your organization, please visit www.givingintelligence.com

January 15, 202524 min

John Zavalney's Journey of Environmental Advocacy

Join us for an inspiring episode of Giving Intelligence as we sit down with John Zavalney, a passionate educator and environmental advocate, whose career has been dedicated to making a difference through volunteerism and education. John’s journey began as a teacher with a focus on biology and general science, but it was his deep involvement in environmental education that truly defined his career. In this episode, John shares how his volunteer work, including leading programs like Project Wild, Project Learning Tree, and Roots and Shoots, has impacted countless students and educators. He talks about the power of long-term, service-learning opportunities and the importance of creating meaningful community involvement, rather than just short-term service proj… For more information on John Zavalney, please visit his YouTube channel John Zavalney - YouTube - for more information on how to better integrate charitable giving into your wealth management process or to have Mitchell speak on effective giving to your organization, please visit www.givingintelligence.com John Zavalney is not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial or Capital Intelligence Associates

December 10, 202444 min

Justin Szlasa of The Future Communities Institute

Join us for a powerful conversation on Giving Intelligence, as we sit down with Justin Szlasa, the director of homeless initiatives at the Future Communities Institute. Justin shares his personal journey with homelessness and discusses how FCI is tackling the complex issue of homelessness in Los Angeles. From creating the LA Working Capital Fund, which supports community-based organizations facing cash flow challenges, to his upcoming role as a commissioner for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, Justin provides valuable insights into effective strategies in helping the unhoused and shares the importance of community collaboration. In this enlightening episode, you’ll not only learn about FCI’s impactful programs, but also hear about the significance of volunteering and firsthand experience in addressing homelessness. By the end of this episode, you’ll be inspired to take action and explore ways you can contribute to the fight against homelessness in your own community.For more information on Justin Szlasa and The Future Communities Institute please visit www.futurecommunitiesintitute.org . For more information on how to better integrate charitable giving into your wealth management process or to have Mitchell speak on effective giving to your organization, please visit www.givingintelligence.com Justin Szlasa and The Future Communities Institute are not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial or Capital Intelligence Associates.