Positive Impact Philanthropy Podcast

Hosted by Lori Kranczer

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Episodes

100

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May 2026

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About the show

The Positive Impact Philanthropy podcast interviews women entrepreneurs that have a philanthropic component to their businesses and personal life to create great impact within their business, life, and communities. Enjoy informational and light-hearted interviews with legacy giving expert and entrepreneur, Lori Kranczer!

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60 recent

May 13, 2026Episode 11727 min

Episode 118: An Interview with Irene Pritzker, Co-Founder and Chair of the IDP Foundation

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer speaks with Irene Pritzker, chair and co-founder of the IDP Foundation, about her groundbreaking work expanding access to education in developing countries through innovative financing models. Irene shares how a trip to Ghana transformed her philanthropic focus from medical research to education after discovering that low-fee private schools serving some of the poorest families had no access to credit or financial support. What began as a single partnership with a microfinance institution has since grown into a sustainable model reaching hundreds of thousands of students across Sub-Saharan Africa. You'll hear about: How a visit to a market school in Ghana inspired Irene's education financing model Why do low-fee private schools in developing countries often lack access to capital The role financial institutions can play in improving education outcomes How the IDP Foundation created a sustainable and scalable lending model for schools Why catalytic philanthropy and strategic partnerships are essential for long-term impact The importance of working closely with governments and local communities How innovative financing and program-related investments can unlock opportunity across Africa Irene's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-pritzker-65bb0195/ Irene's Book The School in the Market: https://www.idpfplus.org/the-school-in-the-market/ IDP Foundation Website: https://www.idpfoundation.org/ IDP Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idpfoundation/ IDP Foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IDPFoundation IDP Foundation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idp-foundation-inc-/ Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com

April 29, 2026Episode 11633 min

Episode 116: An interview with Christine Mack, Founder of the Mack Art Foundation

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer speaks with Christine Mack, founder of the Mac Art Foundation and co-founder of Space to Curate. Christine shares her journey from growing up between cultures in Manila and Sweden to building a creative career in New York, and how her path naturally evolved into philanthropy through motherhood, community involvement, and a deep passion for the arts. Christine's story highlights how following curiosity and taking action can lead to unexpected impact. What began as volunteering and supporting youth mental health initiatives eventually transformed into a mission to uplift emerging artists through mentorship, residency programs, and community-driven art experiences. By creating direct connections between artists, collectors, and communities, she is redefining how philanthropy can support creativity, mental health, and long-term cultural change. You'll hear about: How Christine's background and life experiences shaped her philanthropic journey The transition from design and parenting into community-based philanthropy Why supporting youth mental health played a foundational role in her work How the Mac Art Foundation provides mentorship, resources, and exposure for emerging artists The importance of creating direct connections between artists, collectors, and communities How art can support mental health, expression, and personal transformation Christine's vision for building sustainable support systems and a legacy through art philanthropy Mack Art Foundation: https://www.mackartfoundation.org/ Mack Art Foundation's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackartfoundation/ Simon Sinek's TED Talks: https://simonsinek.com/videos/ted-talks Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/ Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com

March 25, 2026Episode 11521 min

Episode 115: An Interview with Syama Bunten, Founder of Wealth Catalyst and Principal of Big Delta Capital

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer speaks with Syama Bunten, principal of Big Delta Capital and founder of Wealth Catalyst. Syama shares her journey from working in fashion and entrepreneurship to stepping into the world of investing and wealth building after a pivotal life transition. Through her work, she is creating spaces where women can take ownership of their financial futures and feel confident using their capital with intention. This conversation explores the powerful shift happening as more women step into both earned and inherited wealth, and the critical need to close the confidence gap around money and investing. Syama highlights how community, shared knowledge, and aligned values can transform not only how women approach wealth, but how they use it to create meaningful impact in the world. Her approach reframes philanthropy and investing as deeply personal, relational, and purpose-driven practices. You'll hear about: The growing opportunity for women through wealth creation and wealth transfer Why confidence, not knowledge, is often the biggest barrier to financial empowerment How Wealth Catalyst is building a community for women to learn, invest, and grow together The importance of peer networks and shared experiences in shaping financial decisions Creative approaches to giving that prioritize connection and alignment over size of gift How life transitions can spark a deeper sense of purpose and agency with money Syama's vision for helping women use capital to create lasting impact and legacy Connect with Syama! Wealth Catalyst's Website: https://wealthcatalyst.com/Syama's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syamameagher/ Syama's Podcast: https://wealthcatalyst.com/getting-rich-together-podcast/ Syama's Website: https://syamabunten.com/Syama's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syama.co/ Big Delta Capital's Website: https://www.bigdeltacapital.com/ Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com

March 4, 2026Episode 11422 min

Episode 114: An Interview with Hall Rockefeller, Founder and Director of Less Than Half

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer sits down with Hall Rockefeller, founder and director of Less Than Half, an arts organization dedicated to addressing the underrepresentation of women artists in major museum collections and the global art market. Hall shares how discovering that only about 15 percent of major US museum collections and roughly 3 percent of the auction market represent women artists inspired her to build a membership community focused on education, patronage, and long-term change. Through Less Than Half, Hall is reimagining what modern patronage looks like by equipping women to become collectors, investors, and philanthropic supporters of women artists. Rather than focusing only on purchasing art, she encourages a broader approach that includes funding residencies, supporting scholarship, building meaningful collections, and ultimately shaping institutional representation. Her work highlights how collective action, peer networks, and legacy giving can shift cultural narratives and create lasting philanthropic impact in the arts. In this episode, Lori and Marni discuss: The stark gender gap in museum collections and the art market, and why it matters for cultural representation How Less Than Half educates women to become confident art collectors and patrons The concept of modern patronage and how women supporting women can move the needle Practical ways to support women artists beyond purchasing artwork The power of peer networks and community events to amplify impact Why patience and deep understanding of a system are essential for meaningful social change How building and donating collections can create a long-term legacy that reshapes institutions Connect with Hall! Less Than Half Website: https://www.lessthanhalf.org/Less Than Half Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lessthanhalf/ Less Than Half LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/less-than-half/ Hall's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hall-w-rockefeller-87a0b8131/ Hall's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/all.the.lady.artists/ Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com

January 21, 2026Episode 11327 min

Episode 113: An Interview with Marni Mandell, Founder of Friendraising for Success and CEO of Shalom Orlando

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer welcomes Marni Mandel, founder and CEO of Fundraising for Success. Marni shares her unique journey from nonprofit leadership to the tech world and back to fundraising, explaining how her passion for relationship building has shaped her approach to philanthropy. She believes that successful fundraising is rooted in authentic human connection, curiosity, and trust, not just asking for money. Marni also discusses how her experience fundraising for the Israeli Children's Fund after October 7th reignited her love for nonprofit work. Through coaching individuals, boards, and organizations, she helps leaders overcome fear around asking for support and shows them how to build meaningful partnerships with donors. She also shares how artificial intelligence can be used as a tool to streamline tasks, strengthen communication, and give fundraisers more time to focus on what matters most, building relationships. In this episode, Lori and Marni discuss: Why fundraising is really about building friendships and trust How Marni helps leaders feel more confident asking for support The importance of creating a clear and intentional donor profile Common mistakes fundraisers make and how to avoid them Using AI to improve donor communication and strategy How technology can save time and reduce stress for nonprofit professionals The personal legacy Marni hopes to leave for her children and the world Connect with Marni! Shalom Orlando: https://shalomorlando.org/Friendraising for Success: https://friendraisingforsuccess.com/ Marni's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnimandell/ Marni's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marni.mandell/ Marni's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marni.mandell/ Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com

January 7, 2026Episode 11222 min

Episode 112: An Interview with Blima Ehrentreu, Founder and CEO of The Designers Group

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer sits down with Blima Ehrentreu, founder of The Designers Group, to explore how design can be a powerful tool for social impact. Blima shares her journey from Toronto to leading an interior design firm with multiple locations, all rooted in the mission of creating spaces that truly serve the people who use them. Blima explains how designing with purpose goes far beyond aesthetics. By focusing on how spaces function, feel, and support well-being, her work transforms environments such as offices, healthcare facilities, senior living communities, and residences. She also discusses how she uses her firm as a platform to give back through pro bono design, mentorship, and initiatives such as the TDG Furniture Exchange. In this episode, Lori and Blima discuss: What it means to design with purpose and intentionality How interior design can influence behavior, health, and well-being Using a design firm as a platform for philanthropy and social impact The origins and growth of the TDG Furniture Exchange Supporting future designers through mentorship and real-world exposure Measuring impact through long-term relationships and lived experiences in designed spaces Blima's vision for leaving the world better than she found it through design and giving back Connect with Blima! The Designers Group Website: https://www.thedesignersgroup.com/ TDG Furniture Exchange Website: https://www.tdgfurnitureexchange.com/ TDG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedesignersgroup/ TDG Furniture Exchange Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tdgfurnitureexchange/ TDG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedesignersgroup/ TDG Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thedesignersgroup/_created/ Blima's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blimaehrentreu/ TDG LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedesignersg Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com

November 19, 2025Episode 11129 min

Episode 111: An Interview with Krista Gauthier, Executive Director, and Robin Zikmund, Co Founder of IMSE Foundation

In this episode, Lori speaks with two leaders whose personal stories fueled a shared mission to transform literacy access for children across the country. Robin Zikmund, co-founder of the IMSE Foundation, and Krista Gauthier, the foundation's executive director, open up about their experiences navigating the challenges of raising children with dyslexia and how those journeys led them to create systemic solutions through advocacy, educator training, and innovative literacy programs. Together, they share how the IMSE Foundation is working to equip teachers, empower families, and create long-term impact through community-based programs that pair evidence-based reading instruction with STEM enrichment opportunities. In this episode, Lori, Robin, and Krista discuss: The personal experiences that led Robin and Krista into advocacy and ultimately into founding and leading the IMSE Foundation The widespread misunderstanding of dyslexia and why early identification is critical for long-term success How teacher scholarships and structured literacy training create exponential impact for students The "Books, Bots, and Beyond" initiative and how combining reading intervention with STEM exploration builds confidence and expands opportunity The harsh realities faced by children who go unidentified and unsupported, including the connection between illiteracy and incarceration The role of community, partnership, and perseverance when launching and growing nonprofit initiatives How both guests think about legacy and the future they hope to create for children nationwide IMSE Foundation Website: https://imsefoundation.org/IMSE Foundation Contact Page: https://imsefoundation.org/contact/ IMSE Foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559285062865 IMSE Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imse_foundation/?hl=en Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com

November 5, 202520 min

Episode 110: An Interview with Siobhan Frost, Co-Founder & CEO of Endless

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer speaks with Siobhan Frost, co-founder and CEO of Endless. Siobhan shares how a surf trip in Portugal sparked her passion to tackle plastic pollution and led her to create Endless, a sunscreen brand built on sustainability, design, and purpose. Growing up in Australia, she learned the importance of environmental stewardship early on, and now she's combining her branding expertise with her commitment to protecting both people and the planet. Through her story, Siobhan highlights how small, thoughtful actions can create ripple effects for meaningful change. From her early inspirations to building a product that merges health, beauty, and environmental care, she's redefining what it means to make business a force for good. You'll hear about: How a moment in the ocean inspired Siobhan's commitment to sustainability The journey from branding and design to building a purpose-driven company How Endless combines sunscreen, style, and sustainability in one refillable product Why collaboration and peer networks are key to growing impactful brands The role of design in making sustainable habits easier for everyone The connection between her upbringing and her environmental values Siobhan's vision for a world free of single-use plastics and her lasting legacy of change Siobhan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanfrost/ Endless Website: https://www.iamendless.co/Endless Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamendless.co/ Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com

October 22, 2025Episode 10925 min

Episode 109: An Interview with Katie Dunn, Angel Investor, Board Director, and Startup Advisor

In this episode, Lori speaks with Katie Dunn, angel investor, board director, and startup advisor, about how curiosity, access, and education drive her approach to investing and impact. Katie shares how her career in commercial real estate led her to angel investing and how she now focuses on supporting underrepresented founders while promoting accessibility and transparency in the investment world. You'll learn about: Katie's journey from real estate lending to angel investing How curiosity and lifelong learning shape her investment decisions The myths and realities of angel investing for new investors Making social impact part of a company's DNA What she looks for in founders and why passion matters Her work supporting women entrepreneurs through board and advisory roles Why accessibility in funding and education is her biggest mission The legacy she hopes to build by opening doors for others Katie's Business Website: https://www.themastheadstrategy.com/ Katie's Personal Website: https://www.katiedunn.com/Katie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie--dunn/ Katie's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamkatiedunn Katie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiedunn/ SWITCH Angels: https://switchthefuture.com/capital/the-angel-sessions/ Yale Women on Boards Program: https://som.yale.edu/executive-education/for-individuals/leadership/women-on-boards Wefunder: https://wefunder.com/StartEngine: https://invest.startengine.com/ Republic: https://republic.com/Juliet Wine: https://drinkjuliet.com/Private Directors Association: https://www.privatedirectors.org/ Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com

October 8, 2025Episode 10820 min

Episode 108: An Interview with Gigi Danziger, Founder and Investor at Eutopia Foundation

In this episode, Lori speaks with Gigi Danziger, founder and investor at Eutopia Foundation, about her work creating hyperlocal philanthropic models in Hudson, New York. Gigi shares how her family history, values, and desire for community connection led her to launch initiatives such as a basic income pilot, affordable housing, medical debt relief, and the Spark of Hudson learning hub. Her story highlights how philanthropy can thrive when it's rooted in trust, sustainability, and co-creation with the community. You'll hear about: How Gigi's family history inspired her philanthropic values The design and impact of Hudson's basic income pilot Why seeding power and trust are key to community-based philanthropy Clearing medical debt as a model for other communities The role of Spark of Hudson as a learning hub and gathering place Building sustainable, equitable models for affordable housing and farming Why starting small and hyperlocal creates scalable models for broader impact How Gigi views her legacy as sparking others to thrive Gigi's Email: founders@sparkofhudson.org Spark of Hudson Website: https://sparkofhudson.org/Spark of Hudson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Spark-of-Hudson-100063508631540/ Spark of Hudson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkofhudson/?hl=en Wally Farms Website: https://wallyfarms.com/HudsonUp Basic Income Pilot: https://sparkofhudson.org/hudsonup HudsonDots Innovative Housing: https://sparkofhudson.org/hudsondots HudsonStep Initiative: https://sparkofhudson.org/hudsonstep HudsonNest Residence: https://sparkofhudson.org/hudsonnest Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com