The Business of Giving

Tomorrow, March 14, marks India Giving Day—a vibrant call to action led by the India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) to unite communities in supporting impactful India-focused nonprofits. On a recent episode of The Business of Giving podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Alex Counts, IPA’s Executive Director, whose journey in social impact began with a film and a Fulbright scholarship and now fuels a movement to redefine philanthropy for India. With a career spanning microfinance innovation and nonprofit leadership, Alex shared how IPA is fostering collaboration over competition— and why tomorrow’s event could be a turning point for collective giving.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick. My guest today is Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of the United Way of New York City. With a lifelong dedication to helping New Yorkers thrive, Grace leads the organization in addressing systemic poverty, promoting equity, and strengthening communities across the city. The mission of United Way has always been clear: helping New Yorkers thrive. But as Grace explains: “What has changed is the needs of New Yorkers, and we have really been at the forefront of answering both emerging needs and long-lasting policy needs to really make sure that New Yorkers are thriving.” We’ll talk about how United Way is meeting the challenges of a post-COVID world, creating innovative partnerships, and driving solutions that impact the lives of millions across New York City.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick. Accessing social services in the United States can be a daunting and confusing process, often leaving those in need struggling to find the support they require. One Degree, a pioneering organization, is changing that narrative by creating a user-friendly platform that connects families with critical resources, empowering them to achieve stability and mobility. Joining us today is Rey Faustino, founder and CEO of One Degree. Inspired by his own journey as an immigrant, Rey is on a mission to simplify how individuals navigate essential services. In this episode, we’ll delve into how One Degree is transforming lives through technology, its unique approach to addressing systemic barriers, and the innovative ways it builds community trust. Stay with us for a fascinating conversation about reshaping the social services ecosystem.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick.Imagine a school where every child receives a hot, nutritious meal every day. For many in Kenya, this is now a reality, thanks to the innovative work of Food4Education. Joining us today is Wawira Njiru, the organization’s founder, whose work is transforming the lives of 450,000 children daily and reshaping how school feeding is done across Africa. As Wawira explains, “We know that hungry children can't learn or grow, and neither can nations. Nations cannot grow if they're hungry.” In this episode, we’ll explore the groundbreaking strategies behind Food4Education, from their Tap to Eat system to their partnerships with local farmers and governments. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation about turning a bold vision into a sustainable solution for classroom hunger.

I’m Denver Frederick, the host of The Business of Giving. My guest today is Christine Squires, CEO of Americares, a global health organization that has been improving health and saving lives for over 45 years.Under Christine’s leadership, Americares supports over 4,000 health centers in 85 countries, responding to an average of 35 emergencies each year while also addressing long-term health challenges. The organization’s innovative work spans areas like disaster preparedness, mental health, and climate resilience. As Christine passionately puts it:“And we believe health is essential; it's a human right. And also with good health, there's opportunity, so people have the opportunity to work, go to school and build stronger communities.”Join me now as we dig into Americares’ mission, its global impact, and the inspiring vision Christine Squires has for the future of health and humanitarian aid.

I’m Denver Frederick, the host of The Business of Giving. My guest today is Peter Laugharn, CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, one of the largest family foundations in the United States. Under Peter’s leadership, the Foundation has doubled its grantmaking capacity and expanded its focus across seven core initiatives, tackling issues from homelessness and foster youth in the U.S. to safe drinking water and refugee support globally. He brings a refreshing perspective on progress in philanthropy, saying: “We never completely fail, and we never completely succeed. We take it apart, rework it, and keep going.” With this mindset, Peter is guiding the Hilton Foundation to build sustainable and systemic impact by partnering with communities and empowering local leaders. Join me now as we explore his mission-driven approach and the transformative work of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

I’m Denver Frederick, the host of The Business of Giving. My guest today is Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare provider. Under his leadership, Northwell has grown from a single hospital into an integrated system, offering everything from ambulatory care to end-of-life services. Dowling is a visionary, redefining healthcare by addressing issues like gun violence and mental health, which he views as integral to public health. As he says: “I believe that CEOs have a responsibility to take on those social issues, especially in healthcare, that have a direct impact on health. And when you look around, there’s a lot of things. Everything has a direct impact on health. So we just can’t be talking about medical care delivery only. We’ve got to get involved in influencing societal issues that have a negative impact. Gun violence is one of those.” With this approach, Dowling places Northwell at the forefront of both healthcare innovation and social responsibility. Now, let’s dive into an inspiring conversation about his bold vision for healthcare leadership and the community-centered initiatives driving change at Northwell Health.

Education is one of the most powerful tools for creating equity and opportunity, but for millions of children worldwide, access to quality education remains a challenge. One organization is working tirelessly to change that. Joining us today is Kailee Scales, CEO of Pencils of Promise, a global nonprofit dedicated to breaking down the barriers to education in rural communities across Ghana, Guatemala, and Laos. In this episode, we’ll explore how Pencils of Promise is providing not just schools, but holistic education, tackling challenges like teacher training, hygiene, and girls’ education. Stay with us for an inspiring conversation on the transformative power of education and the innovative strategies PoP is using to create lasting impact.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick, and today we have a guest who is transforming the landscape of employment around the globe. Dr. Mona Mourshed is the CEO of Generation.org, a nonprofit that has trained over 120,000 adults into new careers across 17 countries and 40 professions. Dr. Mourshed shares the powerful inspiration behind Generation: “Youth across the world were protesting the situation of education not leading to employment, and so that’s really what sparked the thinking: What would it take to not just train people, but train and place them into new careers, and to have that change last over time?” We’ll explore how Generation.org is breaking down barriers with their unique seven-step methodology, the impact of AI on the future of work, and how they’re empowering individuals of all ages to achieve economic mobility. Here is my conversation with Dr. Mona Mourshed on The Business of Giving.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Susan Taylor Batten, President and CEO of ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities. For over half a century, ABFE has been a driving force in promoting effective philanthropy within Black communities, striving to advance equity and justice in the philanthropic sector. Susan shares the powerful story of ABFE’s bold beginnings at the 1971 Council on Foundations meeting—a pivotal moment that reshaped the landscape of philanthropy: And so the act to present an alternative slate of candidates with Black professionals on it, over time, the business meeting came back together after the disruption, and five Black foundation executives were voted onto the board of the Council of Foundations. In our conversation, we’ll explore ABFE’s current initiatives, such as the Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative, efforts to increase funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and strategies to retain Black professionals in philanthropy. Join us for an enlightening discussion that not only traces ABFE’s impactful journey but also highlights the ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive and equitable philanthropic landscape.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host Denver Frederick. Today, we’re joined by Chris Helfrich, CEO of Eat. Learn. Play., the foundation founded by Stephen and Ayesha Curry to support children in their adopted hometown of Oakland, California. Focused on three pillars—nutritious meals, education, and play—the foundation has had a transformative impact on thousands of children. One standout moment in our conversation is when Chris shares the philosophy that drives their work: “And that is when Stephen chimed in and said, "Yeah, this is about impact for us, not legacy." And so, we've adopted this mantra, "Impact over legacy.” And that's been close to the center of Eat. Learn. Play. since we started.” This powerful mindset ensures their mission remains focused on making the greatest difference in the lives of Oakland’s kids. So, lean in for a compelling conversation that highlights the power of intentionality, community, and unwavering impact. Chris Helfrich, Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick. America’s National Parks are some of the most iconic and cherished landscapes in the world, and their preservation requires constant care and innovative thinking. My guest today is someone who has played a pivotal role in protecting these treasures. Joining me is Will Shafroth, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. As Will passionately shares, “We help the Park Service do things more creatively or innovatively, which as a nonprofit we’re better able to do sometimes than a government agency.” In this episode, we’ll explore how Will has transformed the Foundation’s approach to fundraising, fostered partnerships that enhance the visitor experience, and worked to make National Parks more inclusive for all Americans. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation about the future of these incredible spaces.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick. Did you know that over one billion people worldwide lack access to affordable eyewear? Warby Parker set out to change that. In an industry dominated by high prices, Warby Parker has revolutionized eyewear, offering stylish, affordable options while making a profound social impact. Today, we’re joined by Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, to explore how this mission-driven company is reshaping the retail landscape. As Neil shares, “We thought that if we could charge a fraction of the cost, that would be good. But we also asked ourselves, ‘What type of business would we want to work at?’” In this episode, we’ll dive into Warby Parker’s innovative approach to balancing profit and purpose, their cutting-edge use of technology, and the company culture that fuels their growth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a social impact enthusiast, or just curious about the future of retail, you won’t want to miss this insightful conversation with one of the visionaries leading the charge. Stay with us for an inspiring journey behind the brand that’s changing the way we see the world.

I had the opportunity to speak with Bernice Romero, Executive Director of the Norwegian Refugee Council USA, at the Clinton Global Initiative about NRC’s groundbreaking new capital fund. The fund is designed to solarize operations in over 40 countries, significantly improving cost-efficiency and security for displaced communities. Bernice highlighted lessons from a successful pilot project in Sudan and shared the broader sustainability objectives NRC plans to pursue through strategic partnerships and long-term initiatives.

Welcome to The Business of Giving, where we explore the innovative work of nonprofit leaders who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. I’m your host Denver Frederick. Today, I’m thrilled to have Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. Under her leadership, the Y has broadened its mission to tackle some of the city’s most pressing issues, from improving access to health and wellness programs to addressing the mental health challenges that have only grown more urgent post-pandemic. One of the most compelling aspects of the YMCA’s mission is its commitment to guiding young people toward their full potential. As Sharon said: “One of the things that we pride ourselves on… is really helping people develop skills and habits for life. And that can be at any age, but with a real focus on our youth.”In this episode, Sharon shares how the YMCA is meeting the evolving needs of New Yorkers—from empowering the next generation to strengthening the sense of community that we all need. Let’s get started.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host, Denver Frederick. Despite impacting lives across every demographic, mental health remains one of the most underfunded areas in philanthropy—with just over 1% of philanthropic dollars addressing this critical issue. Our guest today is working to change that. Joining us is Alyson Niemann, the CEO of Mindful Philanthropy. Since its founding in 2020, Mindful Philanthropy has been on a mission to catalyze impactful funding for mental health, addiction, and well-being initiatives, transforming how philanthropy tackles these urgent challenges. As Alyson passionately states, “We think mental health is at the center of all things and all social issue areas.” In this episode, we’ll dive into their innovative strategies, ambitious goals, and explore how each of us can play a role in advancing this movement. This is a conversation that promises to both enlighten and inspire. Stay with us as we explore how philanthropy is stepping up to make a real difference in mental health.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I’m your host Denver Frederick. Today, we are delighted to welcome back Phil Buchanan, the President of the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP). Phil is a passionate advocate for the nonprofit sector and a keen observer of philanthropy’s role in strengthening democracy. We’ll be exploring critical issues such as the nonprofit sector’s evolving role, trust-based philanthropy, and the remarkable impact of MacKenzie Scott's giving model. We’ll also talk about donor-advised funds and technology’s role in reshaping philanthropy. Plus, exciting news—Phil has just kicked off Season 4 of his podcast *Giving Done Right*. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of philanthropy, this is a must-listen! There is a lot to explore, so let’s get started.

Welcome to The Business of Giving. I'm your host, Denver Frederick. Today we have the distinct honor of welcoming a guest whose life's work is dedicated to combating one of the most heinous crimes of our era – modern slavery. Nick Grono, the CEO of the Freedom Fund, is a tireless advocate in the global fight against human trafficking. In addition to this extraordinary work, Nick recently authored the timely and insightful book, How to Lead Nonprofits: Turning Purpose into Impact to Change the World. Drawing from his two decades of experience leading organizations tackling complex global challenges, Nick offers a fresh and pragmatic approach to nonprofit leadership. He challenges conventional wisdom and provides actionable insights for leaders determined to transform their mission into tangible, measurable impact. So, without further ado, let's embark on this journey into the world of nonprofit leadership with Nick Grono.

The following is a conversation between Christoph Gorder, Executive Director of Airbnb.org, and Denver Frederick, the Host of The Business of Giving.