Giving Done Right – Details, episodes & analysis

President of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker joins Phil and Grace for a conversation about bold philanthropic leadership, inequality, and the importance of investing in institutions that fight for justice. On the heels of his announcement that he will be stepping down, Darren also reflects on accomplishments and regrets from his tenure. In addition, Phil and Darren offer their different takes on whether “philanthropic pluralism” is really under threat. Additional Resources: Ford Foundation “We Disagree on Many Things, but We Speak with One Voice in Support of Philanthropic Pluralism,” op-ed in The Chronicle of Philanthropy by Darren Walker and others “Who Is Threatening ‘Philanthropic Freedom’” by Phil Buchanan, a response to the above op-ed “Finding Philanthropy’s Forgotten Founder” by Darren Walker

Climate scientist, author, and climate policy expert Ayana Elizabeth Johnson joins Giving Done Right hosts Phil and Grace to discuss “what if we get it right” on climate – and the role philanthropy can play in implementing climate solutions. Ayana discusses the opportunities for individuals to take climate action through philanthropy as well as the importance of choosing where and how we invest our wealth. In this wide-ranging discussion on the possibilities of climate action, Ayana offers guidance for finding your niche in climate action both as individuals and as philanthropists. Additional Resources: “What if We Get it Right: Visions of Climate Futures” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson CEP’s Report Much Alarm, Less Action: Foundations and Climate Change Climate Action Venn Diagram TED Talk: How to Find Joy in Climate Action More writing, talks, and resources from Ayana Elizabeth Johnson The Crucial Years: Writing by Bill McKibben EarthJustice LeadLocally.org Environmental Voter Project The All We Can Save Project Urban Ocean Lab

In the season 3 premiere of Giving Done Right, hosts Phil and Grace talk with Gladys Vega about her remarkable work leading Boston-area nonprofit La Colaborativa. In the first of eight episodes this season, Gladys takes us deep into her community and her organization’s work. She discusses the strengths of La Colaborativa’s approach, which is deeply integrated into the community it serves, revisits both the most difficult moments of the pandemic and the positive changes that emerged, and discusses how to make sustainable change through both direct service and advocacy work.

Being a wise and effective donor isn’t easy. That’s where Giving Done Right comes in — the podcast with everything you need to know to be a more effective giver. Join hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette from the Center for Effective Philanthropy as they welcome major donors and nonprofit leaders to answer philanthropy’s burning questions and bust some myths about giving that have long plagued donors and nonprofits alike. Subscribe now for updates. 

In the season finale of Giving Done Right season two, CEP’s Phil and Grace talk with Paul Niehaus, co-founder and chairman of GiveDirectly. Paul discusses the power of direct cash transfers – how they work, why trusting those in need with cash can be extremely effective, and when certain issue areas might warrant a different philanthropic approach.

In the penultimate episode of Giving Done Right season two, CEP’s Phil and Grace with Gloria Walton, president and CEO of The Solutions Project. Gloria focuses on the intersection of climate change and racial justice, the value of grassroots organizing and advocacy in moving an issue forward, and what it will take to move philanthropy toward truly transformative grantmaking.

In this week’s episode of Giving Done Right, Phil and Grace talk with Liesel Pritzker Simmons, major donor and co-founder of impact investing firm Blue Haven Initiative. Liesel zeroes in on impact investing – what it is, how it works, and the role it plays in the philanthropic sector. She also discusses how applying an impact lens can minimize risk, and how policy change — like implementing a wealth tax — can go hand in hand with philanthropic and market-based approaches to social issues.

In the seventh episode of Giving Done Right season two, CEP’s Phil and Grace talk with Rohini Nilekani, philanthropist and Giving Pledge signatory. Rohini discusses trust-based philanthropy, the effects of the pandemic in India, and what it means to create a family legacy through philanthropy.

In the sixth episode of Giving Done Right season two, CEP’s Phil and Grace talk with Dr. Elizabeth Alexander, poet and president of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Elizabeth delves into how to apply a social and racial justice lens to your philanthropy, the fundamental role of the arts in a healthy society, and how the arts and artists are faring as we enter a new phase of the pandemic.

In the fifth episode of Giving Done Right season two, Phil and Grace talk with Stephanie Hull, president and CEO of Girls Inc. Stephanie provides insight into what it’s like to lead a national nonprofit, the differences in her experiences with foundations versus individual donors, and what it takes to invest wisely in women and girls.