The Heart of Giving Podcast

About Our Guest Ken Phillips has decades of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience. He runs NGO Futures LLC, which provides training and consulting services to non-governmental organizations in 35 countries. In 2024, the Association of Fundraising Professionals honored him with their Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year. He previously served as President & CEO, Plan International USA, and as head of fundraising for Save the Children US. His latest book, "Trust, Impact, and Fundraising for Nonprofits" (2023), addresses the critical trust crisis facing the charitable sector. The Global Trust Crisis This episode tackles one of the most pressing challenges facing charities worldwide: declining public trust. Ken discusses how this issue has become a global concern and is not confined to just the United States. Key Insights and Quotes On the root of the trust problem: "Trust in everything is falling. It's not just nonprofits. It's in corporations... There are three ways people spend money. They spend it on their taxes... They spend money on clothing, on services, vacations... In donations, which is the third way people can spend money, they only get feedback if they get it from who they give the money to." On the importance of communication with donors beyond fundraising: "If you don't communicate... if you don't give good, clear, persuasive information on what [the charity] did and …how [it is] efficient and effective. People don't know that... it's the follow-up that gets the renewal. And if it's just give us more [money], there's going to be dropout." On fundraising as relationship-building: "I often compare fundraising to... the act of wooing, the act of seeking someone to love you back. And if you make that comparison, you're going to realize asking for more again and again and again is not going to work. You've got to talk about what you are, why you're respected, why you could be trusted." Innovative Solutions Discussed Ken introduces several groundbreaking concepts: Looking Ahead: The Human Element in an AI World In a fascinating discussion about the future, Ken emphasizes that artificial intelligence will never replace the human connection essential to successful fundraising: "Artificial connections and artificial fundraising ...will increase the importance of that personal connection by the fundraiser with the donor." Why This Episode Matters Ken's insights from decades of experience provide a valuable perspective on creating accountability systems that actually work. His conversation offers practical wisdom for nonprofit leaders, donors, and anyone concerned about strengthening public trust in charitable organizations. Listen Now Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion about the future of nonprofit accountability and the urgent need to rebuild public trust in charitable organizations.

We're excited to share our latest episode, "Passing the Torch: A Conversation with Art Taylor and Bennett Weiner," which marks a special transition in leadership at the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. In this unique episode, roles are reversed as our new president and CEO Bennett Weiner interviews the organization's former leader and podcast founder, Art Taylor.

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast David Rhode, author of "Passion Isn't Enough," shares practical insights from his journey founding Pitchin' for Baseball and Softball to consulting with nonprofit leaders. Three key moments: "Running a nonprofit organization is running a business. And so in order for your business to succeed long term, you need a business model. You need to be able to track resources, people and money, and you need to be able to make a meaningful difference." "There are three things which are present in the nonprofit sector that aren't in the for-profit sector. The first is people - they tell the story in the nonprofit sector. We're not spending money on marketing communications, so people carry the story forward." "We as leaders need to be optimistic. We need to set a culture and a tone for the organization. If we're always complaining or worrying, then the organization's going to be down. I think resilience is one of the fundamental things that people need to be successful in life, let alone in the nonprofit sector." Last week in Part 2 of our conversation with Dan Porterfield, Robert Diggs, and Markera Jones, we explored how Franklin & Marshall College's approach to talent development transformed lives. Markera shared her journey from feeling unwelcome in advanced classes to achieving perfect grades at F&M and eventually becoming a clinical psychologist focused on underserved communities. Don't miss this powerful testimony to how educational institutions can identify and nurture potential across all backgrounds. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #NonprofitLeadership

Mindset Matters Part 2: Dan Porterfield - Growth in Action: Markera Jones and the Transformative Power of Educational Opportunity This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast - in Part 2: We continue our conversation with Dan Porterfield and Robert Diggs, then hear directly from Markera Jones, whose remarkable journey from a segregated school environment to academic excellence at Franklin & Marshall College demonstrates how institutional commitment to talent can change lives. Four powerful insights: "Each educational environment needs to tend to what kind of student with what kind of values might end up there. Our research found that there was a triangle of values students would be attracted to - they wouldn't be a number but a person, they valued being in community, and they wanted academic seriousness." - Dan Porterfield "I went on a visit with my Upward Bound counselor... When we went on the visit, I remember just feeling a sense of welcome on the campus. It seemed like spaces that were well funded and well resourced for me to really learn things in a way that I didn't get in high school." - Markera Jones "F&M's financial aid package was the best one that I got. That grant, which came from donors who want to fund talent, really helped me to see these people believe in me, they value me, they want to invest in me in that kind of way." - Markera "At F&M, I got to have my first research experience where not only did I work in a psychology lab, it felt very special because this is the stuff that I was seeing on TV. It felt like I was doing this really important work in research, giving back to creating knowledge." - Markera on how F&M prepared her for her career path Check out part 1 published last week, where we began our conversation with Dan Porterfield and Robert Diggs about the transformative power of growth mindset in higher education. Dan shared how Franklin & Marshall redefined talent identification beyond traditional metrics to focus on curiosity, resilience, and saying yes to opportunity. Robert Diggs revealed how the "third spaces" outside the classroom shaped his development as a student and leader. They discussed how this approach to education not only benefits individual students but creates a vibrant ecosystem where everyone can thrive. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #HigherEducation #GrowthMindset #Philanthropy

This Week on The Heart of Giving - Part 1: Former Franklin & Marshall College President Dan Porterfield joins Art Taylor to discuss his book "Mindset Matters," exploring how colleges can nurture talent and growth mindsets in students from all backgrounds. Joined by F&M alum Robert Diggs, they dive into the transformative power of higher education. Three illuminating moments: "I view the best form of education as the one that helps the one and the many, that unlocks talent and sees talent in every corner and community. And that by investing in young people, whether financial aid or just as important in their learning and their formation, we make a better world." - Dan Porterfield "We were willing to shake it up a bit and try out some even more particular qualities of talent - curiosity, resilience, saying yes to opportunity, and having a vision of the value of education. These qualities are equally represented across America." - Dan on redefining talent identification "Not that the actual education part wasn't important, but it was the learning that happened around the education piece... It was really the third space or fifth space, being asked to step into co-leading the development of the college house ethos. All of that tracks back to how F&M goes about enriching the mind of young people." - Robert Diggs Don't miss next week's conclusion where we meet Markera Jones, whose journey from Coatesville, Pennsylvania to clinical psychologist exemplifies the power of opportunity and growth mindset in action. Last week, Ben Erwin of Charity Buzz shared how his organization has created a marketplace for unique experiences that benefits nonprofits of all sizes. By connecting celebrities, business leaders, and exclusive opportunities with affluent donors, they've generated over half a billion dollars for charitable causes. If you missed it, it's a fascinating look at innovative fundraising approaches that expand "the giving pie."

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast, Ben Erwin, CEO of Charity Buzz, reveals how his organization has transformed fundraising by creating a marketplace for unique experiences that benefits nonprofits of all sizes. Three compelling moments: "Our mission at Charity Buzz is to deliver the most unique and exciting inventory opportunities on the Internet for good... a curated marketplace for people to live out their wildest dreams while also getting a chance to support terrific charitable organizations." "We found out in a really exciting way that the chance to spend time with a CEO, with a fund manager, with a titan of industry actually has the potential to raise more money than a celebrity experience. The beauty is most charities have relationships with business leaders." "Giving as a percentage of GDP has not changed in the last 50 to 60 years in this country... Yet the number of charities during that time has increased by 40x. So I don't know how we expect charities to maintain their programs, scale their impact if the relative size of the pie has not changed." Last week, Christa Stelzmuller of Charity Water shared how innovative technology is transforming both global water access and donor engagement. From VR experiences that simulate water walks to hologram boxes that connect donors with communities, her team is using cutting-edge tech to build empathy and support for the 700 million people worldwide who lack basic access to clean water. Don't miss this fascinating look at how technology can create emotional connections across continents. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #CharityBuzz #Fundraising #SocialImpact

🎙️ This Week on The Heart of Giving: Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer at Charity Water, reveals how innovative technology is transforming both global water access and donor engagement. Three illuminating moments: "10% of the world today lives without access, basic access to clean water. And that translates to over 700 million people... Basic access means water that is less than 30 minutes away that is clean and available for communities." "When you bring clean water to a community, you're impacting the health of that community. You're impacting the economic opportunity... You're impacting education... When women and girls are having to walk for water hours and hours a day, they miss out on school and they miss out on economic opportunity." "We use technology via in-person experiences... We have hologram boxes that introduce you to folks that we have met in various communities. And we also have a VR experience... Using VR has been super powerful to allow people to connect in a way that we wish we could put everyone on a plane." Last week, Kate Schecter of World Neighbors shared her organization's 73-year commitment to sustainable self-help across 14 countries. Her stories of community-led savings groups in East Timor and women breaking caste barriers in India illustrated how genuine development means empowering people to solve their own challenges. Don't miss this fascinating look at a proven model where dignity and local leadership drive lasting change. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #CleanWater #TechForGood #GlobalDevelopment

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast, Kate Schecter shares World Neighbors' remarkable 73-year journey helping rural communities across 14 countries achieve lasting self-sufficiency. Three standout moments: "Our founder understood in 1951 how important it is not to give things to people, but to help them to help themselves. He understood the importance of the dignity of every human being, even the poorest of the poor." "We help the communities to form small groups... and they each pitch in a little bit of money either every week or every month and they save their money together and then they loan to each other at very low interest. They're skipping around the whole banking system." "I've been up in the mountains in East Timor, where it's all rocks, and you can't imagine how these people survive... and they say to me, 'Yeah, this year we saved $36,000.' And I'm like, 'My gosh, $36,000!'" Last week, Mark Falzone of Scenic America discussed how his organization works to preserve America's visual character - from reducing billboard clutter to promoting context-sensitive development. His insights on making communities more beautiful and livable reveal how thoughtful design impacts our wellbeing and quality of life. If you missed it, tune in to hear about their bipartisan approach to creating spaces where everyone can "live, work and play in a beautiful place." New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #GlobalDevelopment #Sustainability #SelfHelp

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast: Mark Falzone, President and CEO of Scenic America, discusses how his organization is working to preserve and enhance the visual character of our nation. Three illuminating moments: "Our mission is to preserve and enhance the visual character and scenic beauty of our country... We're advocating that every American should have the opportunity to live, work and play in a beautiful place." "When everybody has this opportunity, we can get this done. And we do tend to have a very bipartisan organization because honestly, at the end of the day, who wouldn't be in favor of a beautiful America to live, work and play?" - On finding common ground across political divides. "We want to make sure that every solution we come up with is context sensitive... It makes sense to have billboards in Times Square, just like it makes sense to have none of those things in a national park." - On their nuanced approach to development. Last week's conversation featured Teresa Tyson of The Health Wagon, who shared how her organization brings vital healthcare to Central Appalachia through mobile medical units. From starting with a single Volkswagen Beetle to now offering comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy services, The Health Wagon demonstrates how innovative solutions can transform healthcare access in rural America. Don't miss this inspiring story of dedication to serving those most in need. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #ScenicAmerica #CommunityDevelopment #Nonprofits

🎙️ This Week on The Heart of Giving: Teresa Tyson shares the remarkable story of The Health Wagon, America's oldest mobile free clinic serving Central Appalachia. Three powerful moments: "We were founded by Sister Bernie Kenny... She actually started the clinic first of all in the back of a Volkswagen Beetle, just going up and down these mountain roads. That was over 40 some years ago." "Virginia is an incredibly wealthy state... but there's no other state in the nation that has such extremes in healthcare or disparities between the have and have nots in the state of Virginia." "You can't do this work and really not be changed... My dad was a coal miner... I remember when I was a little girl he would tie a belt around his leg so that he did not feel that pain... I just do it from that aspect of helping another." Last week, Rick Lofgren of COTA shared how his organization helps families manage the overwhelming costs of organ transplants - from $2 million surgeries to lifetime medication expenses. His discussion revealed how community support can make life-saving care possible for families in crisis. If you missed it, it's a must-listen conversation about making healthcare accessible to those who need it most. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #Healthcare #RuralHealth #Nonprofits

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast, Rick Lofgren, CEO of COTA (Children's Organ Transplant Association), reveals how his organization helps families navigate the overwhelming financial challenges of organ transplants. Three compelling moments: "Every day in the United States, about 18 people pass away waiting for that life-saving transplant that never comes. And so our goal is to make sure that money is not the issue that keeps that from happening." "This past year we helped 244 new families and our goal is to reach 300 new families in every year within the next five years. When I started 26 years ago, we helped 31 families that first year." "Their daughter had a liver transplant in Pittsburgh eight years ago... that first year they had billions of over $2 million for her liver transplant." - On the staggering costs families face. Last week's episode featured Lindsay Torrico of the American Bankers Association Foundation, who shared her vision for transforming how banks can drive community development and economic mobility. She discussed innovative approaches to housing affordability and wealth building in underserved communities. If you haven't listened yet, it's an insightful look at making finance work for everyone. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #OrganDonation #Healthcare #Nonprofits

This Week on The Heart of Giving: Join Art Taylor in conversation with Lindsay Torrico, Senior VP of Bank Community Engagement at the American Bankers Association and Executive Director of the ABA Foundation. Lindsay shares her vision for transforming how banks engage with communities and drive economic mobility. Three standout moments: "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu" - Lindsay on why nonprofits must engage in policy discussions to create large-scale impact. "When our communities are strong, our banks are strong... it's reframing how we think about this work that's not just about giving to a few, but how are we investing in our communities in a way that we all can be effective businesses as well." "We want to make sure that they're sustainable in home ownership... it's going to take a multifaceted approach" - On addressing the housing crisis through innovative solutions and partnerships. Did you catch last week's inspiring conversation with Ana Federica Convit? She shared her remarkable journey from banking to leading cancer research initiatives in Venezuela, continuing her grandfather's century-long legacy of providing accessible healthcare to vulnerable populations. If you haven't listened yet, it's a must-hear story of purpose and impact. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org.

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast Ana Federica Convit shares how she left her career in banking to continue her grandfather's pioneering medical research in Venezuela. She offers candid insights about balancing motherhood with leading groundbreaking cancer research initiatives, while carrying forward her grandfather's 100-year legacy of serving those most in need. Three noteworthy moments: "Our mission is to provide access to modern diagnostics and innovative treatments, mainly in cancer, to benefit the most vulnerable population starting in Venezuela, which is a developing, a poor developing country." "Dr. Convict always said that collective efforts are much more important and will go further than individual efforts... We believe in collective efforts, in bringing people together, wonderful people together for a mission, for an objective." "I had an inner voice that told me constantly and every day it was stronger and stronger... You have to go back and you have to help him and you have to give back and you have to work for the Venezuelan people." - On her decision to return to Venezuela Have you listened to last week's conversation with Scott Santarella of the Alpha-1 Foundation? Scott shared fascinating insights about addressing rare genetic conditions and how patient-centered leadership shapes their approach to research and support services. Don't miss either of these engaging stories about organizations making real differences in healthcare. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org.

Dear Friends of The Heart of Giving, This week's conversation features Scott Santarella, CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation, revealing how a rare genetic condition affecting 100,000 Americans is being addressed through innovative research, community support, and unwavering hope. Key moments: "If you feel like you did something good in the world or helped somebody, it makes you feel good." - Discover how 25+ years in the nonprofit sector led Scott to champion rare disease advocacy. "We think inherently people want to help one another...Sometimes it takes charities to actually be developed to focus on particular areas." - Learn how nonprofits fill crucial gaps in healthcare that the marketplace hasn't addressed. "75% of our board has to be patients or patient family members...If it's good for patients, we're going to figure out how to do it. If it's not good for patients, we don't do it." - Explore how patient-centered leadership drives meaningful impact. In Case You Missed It: From Wall Street to Global Impact with Ozzy Samad Last week's conversation featured Brothers Brother Foundation President Ozzy Samad sharing: - How they distribute 200 million doses of medicine annually - Their expansion from international aid to domestic mobile health clinics - The importance of transparent valuations in building donor trust - Why meaningful change often starts in our own backyard Support These Important Conversations The Heart of Giving brings you stories of organizations addressing critical needs in innovative ways. Your support helps us: - Share more stories of impact - Maintain quality production - Create resources for nonprofits - Build a stronger giving community Have a Great Week!

Dear Friends of The Heart of Giving, This week's conversation features Ozzy Samad, President of Brothers Brother Foundation, sharing how a chance meeting at a World Affairs Council event led him from investment banking to leading an organization that distributes 200 million doses of medicine annually to those in need. Key moments: "Having the opportunity to give back in this kind of way was just absolutely unbelievable." - Hear how personal experience growing up in Pakistan shaped Ozzy's transition to humanitarian work. "We see so much need in our own backyard" - Learn how Brothers Brother expanded from international aid to launching mobile health clinics across America, proving that meaningful change often starts at home. "We will make sure that whatever you donate really is impactful. Not superficially, but for real." - Discover how transparent valuations and ethical practices build lasting trust. In Case You Missed It: Arts as a Lifeline with Aidan Davis Last week's episode featured Statement Arts co-director Aidan Davis revealing how their small NYC nonprofit is creating big impact: - Providing arts education where 300+ schools lack any programs - Achieving 100% college acceptance rates for participants - Using the arts to build confidence, community and future opportunities - Creating pathways from elementary school through career development Support These Important Conversations The Heart of Giving brings you stories of innovative solutions to society's pressing challenges. Your support helps us: - Share more stories of impact - Maintain quality production - Create resources for nonprofits - Build a stronger giving community Make your tax-deductible donation today at Give.org. Listen now on BBBGive.org or your favorite podcast platform. #HeartOfGiving #Philanthropy #GlobalImpact #NonprofitLeadership 

Discover how a small NYC nonprofit is creating big impact through the arts! Join us as Aidan Davis, co-director of Statement Arts, reveals how their innovative programs are providing crucial arts education in a city where over 300 schools lack any arts programming. Key moments: "Community is a tremendous portion of what I was able to gain through the performing arts... celebrating the individual exactly as they are." Experience how Statement Arts creates safe spaces for young people to discover themselves and their talents. "We're really proud to boast about a 100% acceptance rate of our students into their colleges of choice." Learn how this small but mighty organization transforms lives through their continuum of services - from elementary school through college and beyond. Through partnerships with Broadway professionals, Morgan Stanley executives, and dedicated volunteers, Statement Arts proves that size doesn't limit impact when passion meets purpose. In Case You Missed It: Healthcare Heroes with Amanda Missey Don't miss our uplifting conversation with Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative CEO Amanda Missey, exploring: - How 160+ volunteers provide comprehensive healthcare to the uninsured - The inspiring story of a 95-year-old diabetes specialist still serving patients - Delivering $2,600 worth of care per patient annually - Creating a medical environment where doctors can practice medicine without insurance constraints

Step into the remarkable world of volunteer-powered healthcare with Amanda Missey, CEO of Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative (BVMI). Discover how this innovative organization provides comprehensive medical care to the uninsured through an extraordinary network of 160+ volunteers, including a 95-year-old diabetes specialist who still serves patients via telehealth! Key highlights: "Powered by volunteers - that's how we're able to achieve what we achieve on a relatively modest budget. We're saving the system thousands, maybe millions of dollars." Learn how BVMI delivers $2,600 worth of comprehensive healthcare per patient annually. "They can be the kind of doctor they imagined they would be when they went to medical school." Hear how BVMI creates a unique environment where medical professionals can practice medicine without insurance constraints while making a profound impact on their community. "Bergen County is a really expensive place to live. If they have to make the choice between putting food on their table, paying rent, buying school supplies for their children, and going to the doctor, they very often put their healthcare at the very bottom of the list." Understand the critical gaps BVMI fills in our healthcare system. Don't Miss: Building Hope in Mississippi with John Damon Our previous episode features Canopy Children's Solutions CEO John Damon sharing: - How personal tragedy shaped his mission to help 8,000 children annually - The innovative approaches to delivering mental health care across 82 Mississippi counties - Why trust and vulnerability are essential to creating lasting impact - The power of combining high-tech solutions with high-touch care Listen now on Give.org or your favorite podcast platform. #HeartOfGiving #HealthcareAccess #CommunityImpact #MentalHealth

Step into the world of transformative mental health care with John Damon, CEO of Canopy Children's Solutions, Mississippi's largest nonprofit provider of children's behavioral health services. From personal tragedy to purpose, Damon shares how one meaningful relationship changed his life's trajectory and now drives his mission to help over 8,000 children annually across Mississippi. Key moments: "Hope is not a wish that the future can be brighter than your past – you have the power to make it so." Damon reveals how his organization uses hope as a science to transform lives. "We're not just running programs – people don't come to us for a program, they come to us for a solution." Learn how Canopy's innovative approach spans behavioral health, education, and family support across all 82 Mississippi counties. "Leaders have to go first and be vulnerable." Discover how Damon builds trust from the inside out to create lasting impact in communities. 🎧 **Also Available: A Giving Tuesday Special with Asha Curran** Don't miss our conversation with Giving Tuesday CEO Asha Curran, exploring: - How $3.1B in global donations are tracked and measured - Why declining charitable participation doesn't mean declining generosity - The power of connecting giving to civic engagement - Building year-round community impact across 105 countries Listen now on BBBGive.org or your favorite podcast platform. #HeartOfGiving #MentalHealth #ChildrensMentalHealth

It's #GivingTuesday so naturally, our latest episode is with Giving Tuesday CEO Asha Curran, who takes us behind the scenes of a movement that's revolutionizing global generosity. With real-time tracking of $3.1B in donations across 105 countries, Asha reveals how data is reshaping philanthropy's future. She challenges traditional giving narratives, showing how everyday acts of generosity create lasting community transformation. Through rich storytelling and compelling insights, she illustrates how Giving Tuesday has evolved from a single day of giving into a year-round force for positive change. In our previous conversation, Sean Carroll shares his remarkable journey leading Anera's $100M humanitarian mission across the Middle East. Drawing from 25 years of experience and personal insights from living in East Jerusalem, Carroll offers a powerful perspective on transforming communities through innovative aid. His leadership spans from delivering critical medical relief to pioneering tech training programs that create sustainable economic opportunities. Carroll's intimate knowledge of the region and dedication to building lasting change shines through in this compelling discussion. These conversations will transform how you think about global impact and the power of giving. Listen now on BBBGive.org or your favorite podcast platform. #HeartOfGiving #GivingTuesday #GlobalImpact #Philanthropy

This week's show is my eye-opening conversation with Anera CEO Sean Carroll, who takes us inside the immense challenges of delivering aid in Gaza. Sean shares the stark reality of what's happening on the ground: • How Anera's team has managed to deliver 41 million meals and 8 million medical treatments despite tremendous obstacles • Why only 20% of needed aid is getting through, and what that means for families • The daily risks faced by humanitarian workers • How everyday people can make a real difference, whether through $5 monthly donations or spreading awareness Sean's perspective is both heartbreaking and hopeful: "People want to respond. People want to bring out the best in themselves and in their community in terms of supporting humanity." Did You Catch Last Week's Episode? YMCA USA CEO Suzanne McCormick shared how the Y is tackling one of America's biggest challenges: social isolation. Learn how they're: • Building bridges across communities through the innovative "Team Up Project" • Creating spaces where everyone belongs • Serving 13 million members while staying true to their 175-year legacy 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts or watch the full conversation on BBB Wise Giving Alliance's YouTube channel. Breaking Social Isolation: The Y-USA’s Role in Modern America This week, we explore how the Y-USA is adapting to serve America while staying true to its 175-year legacy. CEO Suzanne McCormick shares insights on: • How YMCAs serve as community hubs, engaging 13 million members nationwide (5 million under age 18) • The innovative "Team Up Project" partnering with Interfaith America, Catholic Charities USA, and Habitat for Humanity to bridge societal divides • YMCA's response to the "epidemic of social isolation" through intentional programming and community spaces Memorable insights: "The Y is a partner to parents. Parents know their children are in a safe place that allows them to balance work and school schedules." "We represent the diversity of real America within our movement... we have people who think differently but come together to work on a common mission."