The Business of Giving

Welcome to The Business of Giving, where we spotlight the people and ideas transforming philanthropy and social impact! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Josh Birkholz, CEO of BWF, the powerhouse consultancy that’s been sparking transformative change since its iconic work on the Statue of Liberty restoration. Josh is a pioneer in data-driven fundraising strategy, co-author of BeneFactors, and one of the most influential voices championing bold, mission-first approaches in modern philanthropy. In this episode, you’ll discover how to build momentum in uncertain times, leverage donor data effectively, and lead with courageous clarity—essential insights for navigating 2025’s economic challenges. So Let’s get started.

What if philanthropy had a profession—real credentials, ethical standards, and trusted training—just like law or finance? Right now, it doesn’t. But my guest today is changing that. Dien Yuen is the founder of Daylight Advisors, and she’s leading a bold effort to professionalize philanthropic advising by training 10,000 certified experts to guide donors through meaningful, values-aligned giving. In this episode Dien shares why this work is urgent—how shifting wealth, changing demographics, and donor expectations demand a new kind of advisor. We’ll also explore how collaboration and coaching are unlocking the billions sitting idle in donor-advised funds. If you care about the future of giving, this conversation will open your eyes—and maybe your wallet.

What happens when the aid system meant to protect the world’s most vulnerable……vanishes overnight? Earlier this year, the abrupt freeze in USAID funding sent shockwaves through the global nonprofit community. Refugee shelters closed, food distribution stopped, and hospitals ran out of medicine. But even before this crisis, one organization was quietly rewriting the rules of international philanthropy—putting power into the hands of local leaders and reimagining what aid could look like. That organization is GlobalGiving, and at its helm is Victoria Vrana, a veteran systems thinker and relentless advocate for community-led change. As the organization’s CEO, she’s navigating one of the most consequential disruptions to global aid in decades. I mean, shockwave is the right term. I mean, I think it’s like tectonic plates in our sector have shifted really forever. In this episode, Victoria talks about the real-time impact of the funding collapse, what it reveals about the fragility of traditional aid systems, and why GlobalGiving’s founding vision—connecting private capital directly to grassroots leaders—is more urgent than ever. It’s a pivotal moment for the sector—and one that calls for bold leadership.

What happens when the very institutions designed to serve the public are systematically dismantled? Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, has dedicated over two decades to strengthening the federal government. But recent events have posed unprecedented challenges to this mission. In this episode, Max discusses the profound impacts of recent administrative changes on federal agencies, the resilience of public servants, and the critical importance of maintaining a trustworthy and effective government. He also outlines the Partnership’s adaptive strategies to continue supporting civil servants and engaging the public amidst these challenges.

In a moment when critical global health programs are under threat due to sweeping USAID cuts, two organizations are stepping up. The Life You Can Save and Founders Pledge have teamed up to launch the Rapid Response Fund, directing urgent philanthropic capital to the highest-impact, evidence-based interventions. Joining us today are Jessica LaMesa, Co-CEO of The Life You Can Save, and David Goldberg, Co-Founder and CEO of Founders Pledge. As David explains, “The heart shouldn’t really decide how we give. It should bring us to give, but the head should be the one that helps us to figure out what to give to.” In this episode, we’ll explore how these organizations are using evidence, speed, and collaboration to fill urgent funding gaps—and how their work might just reshape how philanthropy responds to a global crises.

At Goodwill Industries, the mission isn’t just about thrift stores—it’s about unlocking human potential through work and learning, especially for those society often overlooks. Today, I’m joined by Steve Preston, CEO of Goodwill Industries International, a leader who’s taken his experience from Wall Street to Washington and now to one of North America’s biggest nonprofits. In this episode, we’ll dive into how Goodwill walks alongside people facing barriers, adapts to a changing job landscape, and redefines impact—one life at a time. Stay tuned for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is insightful.

My next guest says that most people approach philanthropy with the right heart but the wrong map. They want to give—but don’t know where to start, how to make it matter, or how to ensure it’s truly meaningful. Alex Johnston is the Founding Partner of Building Impact Partners, a philanthropic advisory firm that helps high-capacity donors align their giving with values, strategy, and real impact. He’s also the author of Money with Meaning: How to Create Joy and Impact through Philanthropy.

If you’ve ever paused at the grocery store, looked at a Fair Trade label, and wondered what it really means—this episode is for you. Paul Rice, the founder and CEO of Fair Trade USA, has spent over two decades proving that ethical sourcing isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good business. He shares how his time living in rural Nicaragua reshaped his understanding of dignity, aid, and the power of markets. He takes us inside the early criticisms Fair Trade faced, how farmers themselves responded, and why he believes we’re at a pivotal moment in the evolution of conscious capitalism. We’ll also discuss his new book, Every Purchase Matters, and how businesses, consumers, and policymakers alike can create meaningful change—starting with the choices we make every day.

Today, I’m joined by Hali Lee. Her book The Big We rethinks philanthropy—shifting it from billionaires to regular folks at the kitchen table, pooling resources through giving circles. I love how she’s turned her Korean geh tradition into a spark for collective change. We’ll explore how she’s shaking up giving, building community, and imagining a future where ‘we’ and not “me” takes the lead.

Today we're joined by Brenda Asare, chair of the Giving Institute and president and CEO of the Alford Group, a 45 year consultancy that's powered billions in nonprofit impact. With decades of experience, including leading major disaster fundraising efforts, she's tackling today's wild nonprofit landscape. We'll dive into the sector's strains, donor shifts, and how resilience is rising to meet the moment.

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.