Philanthropy Speaks

Hosted by Community Foundation of Greater Flint

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

A podcast by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Philanthropy Speaks brings you candid conversations with leaders from the nonprofit sector and inspiring individuals who are making an impact in Flint and Genesee County, Michigan. Tune in as we explore the stories and initiatives driving positive change in our community.

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36 recent

May 27, 2026Episode 535 min

The Land Bank Landscape with Brian Larkin, Christina Kelly, and Dan Kildee

What started with a handful of land banks you could count on one hand has grown into more than 350 across the country, reshaping neighborhoods and restoring communities from the ground up.In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host and Community Foundation of Greater Flint President and CEO Dan Kildee talks with Brian Larkin, director of the National Land Bank Network at the Center for Community Progress, and Christina Kelly, director of community impact at the Genesee County Land Bank Authority, about the movement Dan helped start right here in Flint more than two decades ago.From the transformation of Chevy Commons into the centerpiece of Michigan's first new state park in 40 years to the 10,000 demolitions that have cleared blight and reduced crime across Flint neighborhoods, discover how land banking has evolved from a local idea into a national model for community revitalization. Plus, Dan, Brian, and Christina dig into what's next, including affordable housing, home repair, and the tools still needed to help every community thrive. Visit cfgf.org, thelandbank.org, or communityprogress.org to learn more.Support the show

April 22, 2026Episode 431 min

Outdoor Learning in Davison with Ryan Kelsey and Pam Ruggiero

What started as a patch of lawn outside Davison High School has grown into a thriving outdoor classroom complete with a native pollinator garden, food garden, greenhouse, and small orchard, transforming how students connect with the natural world.In this Earth Day episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Jen Farrington talks with fine arts instructor Ryan Kelsey and environmental science teacher Pam Ruggiero about the student-led outdoor learning space they've built over four years at Davison High School, supported by grants from the Davison Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.From harvesting tomatoes for the school cafeteria to painting native Michigan wildlife in the open air, discover how this hands-on program is sparking environmental stewardship, reigniting student curiosity, and helping an entire school district rethink its relationship with the outdoors. Plus, Ryan and Pam share why native plants beat a perfect lawn every time, which community partners have made it all possible, and what they hope students carry with them long after they leave the classroom. Visit cfgf.org to learn more about the Davison Fund and the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.Support the show

March 24, 2026Episode 226 min

Investing in Women and Girls with Brandee Cooke-Brown and Ariana Heath

What started with a $2,000 gift in 1985 has grown into over a million dollar fund transforming the lives of women and girls in Flint and Genesee County.In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Becky Pettengill talks with Probate Judge Ariana Heath and nonprofit leader Brandee Cooke Brown about their work on the Flint Women and Girls Fund Advisory Committee at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. From funding youth sports programs and creative arts initiatives like Amplify Her to awarding scholarships and honoring trailblazers through the Libby Award, discover how this fund is investing in the next generation of women leaders. Plus, Ariana and Brandee get personal about raising fearless daughters, the women who shaped their paths, and why nothing is too big to dream. Visit cfgf.org to learn more or give to the Flint Women and Girls Fund. Nominate someone for the Libby Award: cfgf.org/libbyaward26 Support the show

February 24, 202637 min

Civic Health with Patrick McNeal

What does civic health look like in action? It starts with neighbors who know each other, trust each other, and show up.In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Damon Ross talks with Patrick McNeal, Director of the North Flint Neighborhood Action Council and leader of Civic Flint, about grassroots civic engagement in Flint and Genesee County.Patrick shares how Civic Saturdays brings blue-collar leaders together to build relationships, strengthen neighborhood leadership, and turn small moments, even handing out freeze pops, into lasting community change.Together, they discuss barriers to civic participation, the importance of resident voice, and why strong communities depend on deep listening and shared ownership.If you care about community organizing, neighborhood leadership, or active citizenship in Flint, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration.Visit cfgf.org to get involved. Support the show

January 15, 2026Episode 128 min

10 Years of the Flint Kids Fund with Dr. Mona Hanna

We’re back with a new season of Philanthropy Speaks!In this season-opening episode, host Lydia Starrs from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint looks back on 10 years of the Flint Kids Fund and what it has meant for Flint families since it was created after the water crisis.Lydia is joined by Dr. Mona Hanna, pediatrician, public health advocate, founding donor of the Flint Kids Fund, and founder of Rx Kids, along with Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Together, they talk about how Flint chose a different path by focusing on prevention, listening to community voices, and investing in youth for the long haul.The conversation reflects on what the Flint Kids Fund helped spark across the community, how Rx Kids is changing what support can look like for families from the very beginning, and what the next decade of youth health and wellbeing in Flint and Genesee County could hold. It’s an honest look at what’s worked, what’s still needed, and why collective giving continues to matter.Learn more about the Flint Kids Fund at cfgf.org/flintkidsfund. Learn more about Rx Kids at rxkids.org. Support the show

December 3, 2025Episode 1023 min

Youth Leading Change: Inside CFGF’s Youth Advisory Committees

Discover how young leaders are shaping the future of Genesee County in this episode of Philanthropy Speaks. Host Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, talks with Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members Milana Kia and Elijah Lynch about the power of youth leadership, youth-led grantmaking, and community involvement.Milana and Elijah share how participating in YAC helps high school students identify community needs, make data-informed funding decisions, and develop essential skills such as public speaking, advocacy, collaboration, and strategic thinking. The episode explores the mission of Youth Advisory Committees, their impact on local nonprofits, and how youth philanthropy creates long-term change in Flint and Genesee County.Join us to learn how these young leaders are creating real change and inspiring others to get involved in their communities.Support the show

October 22, 2025Episode 924 min

Empowering Women and Families with DeAndra Larkin

Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to domestic violence and sexual assault, which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, sits down with DeAndra Larkin, CEO of YWCA Greater Flint, to recognize Week Without Violence and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Together, they discuss how YWCA Greater Flint is creating spaces of healing, empowerment, and advocacy through programs like the Mother-Daughter Retreat and P.E.A.C.E. Healing Program.The conversation explores the organization’s deep roots in the community, the urgent need for housing and sustained funding for survivors, and how collaboration across sectors can help build a safer future for all.To learn more about YWCA Greater Flint, visit ywcaflint.org00:00 Introduction to Philanthropy Speaks00:11 YWCA Week Without Violence00:25 Meet DeAndra Larkin, CEO of YWCA Greater Flint01:37 YWCA's Mission and Services02:36 DeAndra's Journey to YWCA03:21 Supporting Women and Girls in the Community08:24 Current Needs at YWCA10:39 P.E.A.C.E. Healing Program13:02 Week Without Violence Campaign19:20 Advocacy and Policy Changes21:59 Envisioning a Community Without Violence22:32 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the show

September 29, 2025Episode 828 min

Wraparound Support for Families: Clio Area Human Services Fund

What does it look like when a community pantry feels more like a neighbor’s living room? In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, co-hosts Jennifer Farrington, Senior Program Officer and Damon Ross, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint sit down with Nate Jonker, Treasurer of the Clio Area Human Services Fund, to explore how the organization in northern Genesee County is tackling food insecurity, rural poverty, and access to basic needs with a fresh approach. The fund has grown into a trusted partner for Clio families, through the Safety Net Store, and its new big move into the former Lacure Elementary School. This new community hub will bring together food, healthcare, workforce, and wraparound supports in a way that strengthens relationships and builds opportunity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of federal funding cuts, the current needs of Michigan families, why collaboration between local businesses, government, and nonprofits is essential for sustainable solutions. Tune in to hear how this neighbor-to-neighbor model is redefining service delivery.To learn more about the Clio Area Human Services Fund, visit their Facebook page. Support the show

July 23, 2025Episode 754 min

Why the Disability Experience is the Human Experience with Jessica Dixon

This episode of Philanthropy Speaks marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Host Lynn Williams, Director of Equity & Community Engagement, sits down with Jessica Dixon, Community Advocacy and Peer Specialist at the Disability Network, for a conversation about the disability experience, ableism, intersectionality, and inclusion. Jessica discusses how the Disability Network supports and empowers people with disabilities to live independently in Genesee County, and how the team ensures that people with disabilities have a seat at the table for systems-level conversations. Jessica also shares how her own lived experience, including both visible and non-apparent disabilities, has shaped their work. With humor and heart, Jessica invites listeners to rethink assumptions, center the voices of people with disabilities, and move from pity to partnership.Listen to this episode to understand how "the disability experience is the human experience," and what it means to build a world where everyone can thrive. If you’d like to learn more about the Disability Network, visit disnetwork.org. To learn more about the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, visit cfgf.org. Support the show

June 20, 2025Episode 619 min

Leaving a Legacy with Aaron Hamp

Legacy giving and planned gifts can shape vibrant, long-lasting futures for our communities. This episode of Philanthropy Speaks features a conversation with Aaron Hamp. Aaron is the founder and president of INC Systems and co-founder and president of ProSwipe. In addition to his businesses, Aaron is a proud member of the Legacy Society at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Alongside host Lottie Ferguson, Vice President of Development and Donor Services at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Aaron dives into how he's leaving a legacy through philanthropy. Aaron walks us through the process of what it was like to include the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and four other organizations in his will. He also discusses other ways to give back, such as ensuring that those employed in his companies receive "Volunteer Time Off" to become active in the community. To explore how you can leave your legacy, visit us at cfgf.org. Support the show