Giving Voices

Hosted by Stefanie Borsari

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Latest episode

Feb 2025

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About the show

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 . I'd love to talk with you!

Listen to episodes

15 recent

February 4, 2025Episode 532 min

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 double standard and our observations about it's perpetuated. Even if you haven't watched the movie, the topic and our opinions about it are pretty clear!Bonus: The movie is based on the book by the same name, authored by Dan Palotta, who's made it his life's work to "transform the way the donating public thinks about charity and change." Pallotta's TED Talk,"The way we think about charity is dead wrong," has been viewed more than 5.5 million times and is the basis of UnCharitable, the movie. Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!Stefanie Borsari, Linked InArtwork by Justin Novick Special Thanks to Daya Ottley

January 20, 2025Episode 440 min

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 informs her philosophy and approach to working with both emerging and seasoned donors and explains how she helps people find the joy, meaning, and power in identifying as a philanthropist. Bonus: Deborah referenced two publications, including:The Power of Moments by Brothers Chip Heath and Dan HeathNational Center for Family Philanthropy's research piece, Overcoming Psychological Barriers to GivingAlso, check out Wikipedia for more information about tzedakah boxes and the concept of tzedakah itself.Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!Stefanie Borsari, Linked InArtwork by Justin Novick Special Thanks to Daya Ottley

December 10, 2024Episode 335 min

Complementary Forces for Good: John Farnam & Paul Heitzenrater

John Farnam and Paul Heitzenrater describe the myriad ways they engage with their community (Denver) from collecting and donating socks and suitcases, growing and giving away fresh produce, to chairing galas that raise $1 million. Their combined generosity of time, treasure, talent (and ties and testimony) fulfills both urgent and basic needs as well as addresses systemic issues, even as they each approach philanthropy differently. In this episode, they share personal experiences that inform both their individual and joint perspectives. We all can learn something from these two beautiful humans and their embodiment of the literal meaning of the word 'philanthropy.' Bonus: Here are just three of the organizations John & Paul support --Urban PeakMount View Boulevard Presbyterian ChurchMetro Caring, and here's a wonderful article about the organization that also spotlights their workDo you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!Stefanie Borsari, Linked InArtwork by Justin Novick Special Thanks to Daya Ottley

November 26, 2024Episode 223 min

Because of Relationships: Valerie Kind-Rubin, Managing Trustee, Patricia Kind Family Foundation

Valerie Kind-Rubin is simultaneously a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife, an aunt, a sister-in-law, and Managing Trustee of the Patricia Kind Family Foundation. Patience, humility, and her careful attention to and passion for relationships contribute to her success in navigating the complexity of being both a family member and the executive leader of the private foundation her mom founded in 1996. In this episode, Valerie describes her challenges, satisfaction, and joy in helping the foundation face and agree on a decision about its future. Bonus: Shame on us - at the beginning of our dialogue, Valerie and I obliquely reference "Ron" without any additional context. We mean Ron Toles, Founder and Executive Director of the small but mighty Ordinarie Heroes. Check out -- and prepare to be be inspired by -- this grassroots organization's powerful dedication to improving the lives of young people.Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!Stefanie Borsari, Linked InArtwork by Justin Novick Special Thanks to Daya Ottley

November 19, 2024Episode 110 min

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 Collections & Archives blog post, "The History of Philanthropy"The Milken Institute's blog post, "Considering Your Philanthropy Holistically"Philanthropy's New Voice: Building Trust with Deeper Stories and Clear Language, a report co-produced by Council on Foundations and Center for Public Interest Communications Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!Stefanie Borsari, Linked InArtwork by Justin Novick Special Thanks to Daya Ottley

June 11, 2024Episode 1033 min

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 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, TED Talk delivered by Sara Lomelin in April 2022 – nearly 1,500,000 online viewsForbes 50 Over 50: 2023 list: Sara is listed in the Impact sectionIn Abundance: An Analysis of the Thriving Landscape of Collective Giving in the US – research report that “explores the transformative impact of collective giving on philanthropy” and was developed in collaboration among Philanthropy Together, Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, and Colmena-Consulting 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. Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!Stefanie Borsari, Linked InArtwork by Justin Novick Special Thanks to Daya Ottley

May 28, 2024Episode 933 min

Philanthropy Matchmaker: Erinn Andrews, Founder & CEO of Give Team

Entrepreneur Erinn Andrews, Founder & CEO of Give Team, 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, Impala, and Charity Navigator. And to hear Erinn share more about how Give Team works in the sector, check out The Capital Club Podcast episode featuring her conversation with Brian C. Adams, Founder & President of Excelsior Capital. Do you have a story to share? Reach out at hello@givingvoicespodcast.com. I'd love to talk with you!Stefanie Borsari, Linked InArtwork by Justin Novick Special Thanks to Daya Ottley

May 14, 2024Episode 825 min

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 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, 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, Linked InArtwork by Justin Novick Special Thanks to Daya Ottley

April 23, 2024Episode 717 min

Because it’s the Right Thing To Do: LJ Borsari, Gen Z

Much has been studied and written about 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'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 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 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, Linked InArtwork by Justin Novick Special Thanks to Daya Ottley

April 9, 2024Episode 633 min

Communications for the Greater Good: Emily Goodstein, CEO/Founder of Greater Good Strategy

Founder + CEO of Greater Good Strategy Emily Goodstein 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. 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, Linked InArtwork by Justin Novick Special Thanks to Daya Ottley