People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to Purposely SHORT, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic.

This weeks episode features Monica Briggs CEO of Child Cancer Foundation, where she shares;

Why she joined Child Cancer Foundation as CEO

Her approach to leading a nonprofit and having clarity around mission and purpose 

Importance of gaining a deep understanding of the organisation you are leading

The importance of people and money

Welcoming Lori Abert Luke, CEO of the Acorn Foundation, to Purposely, she shares their charitable mission to grow generosity across Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty of New Zealand. An American who now calls New Zealand home, Lori's passion for philanthropy and giving is deeply rooted in her heritage and strengthened by witnessing firsthand the transformative impact it has on people and communities.

A Vision for Community-Driven Philanthropy

Established in 2003, the Acorn Foundation is one of 18 community foundations across Aotearoa New Zealand pioneering a unique approach to charitable giving. Lori explains their innovative model: "We pool and collectively invest our donors' funds, ensuring the capital remains intact while distributing a portion of the income annually to the local community."

This strategic approach has enabled the foundation to support hundreds of vital charitable organizations across various sectors, including healthcare, education, social services, and environmental conservation. The impact is far-reaching and continues to grow year after year.

"Our model allows donors' gifts to keep giving back to causes close to their hearts, forever," Lori emphasizes. With over 400 donors, the foundation offers flexible contribution options, from posthumous endowments to opportunities for donors to witness their generosity in action during their lifetime.

The Genesis of Acorn Foundation

The Acorn Foundation's story begins with Bill Holland, who, inspired by the community foundation model he encountered abroad, joined forces with committed local trustees to establish the organization in 2003. Their vision was clear: to create a platform connecting generous individuals with meaningful causes in the Western Bay of Plenty region.

Lori, who also serves on the Board of Community Foundations Aotearoa New Zealand, underscores the power of legacy giving. "It's an opportunity to make a lasting impact, extending one's generosity well beyond their lifetime," she notes.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Community Philanthropy

As she looks to the future, Lori sees boundless potential in the community foundation model. "We're not just managing funds; we're fostering a culture of generosity that can transform communities for generations," she explains with enthusiasm.

The Acorn Foundation's success serves as a compelling blueprint for effective, sustainable philanthropy. By providing a versatile platform for individuals to contribute to causes they care about, both during their lifetime and beyond, the foundation is cultivating a legacy of giving that continues to flourish and evolve.

Reflecting on the Acorn Foundation's effectiveness, Lori concludes, "Through our work, we're not only changing lives today; we're laying the groundwork for a more compassionate and supportive society for years to come." It's this forward-thinking approach that positions the Acorn Foundation at the forefront of community-driven philanthropy in New Zealand.

Welcoming Catherine Ind Head of the St. James's Place Charitable Foundation to Purposely where she shares their charitable mission as well as her personal journey.

Catherine's career path took an unconventional route, starting as a ski resort representative in France before transitioning to charity fundraising, ultimately leading to her current role at the helm of one of the UK's largest corporate foundations.

 

A proud Northerner Catherine, originally from Burnley now resides in the Cotswolds living minutes from the St. James's Place Headquarters. After earning an honours degree in business from De Montfort University in London, Catherine started in PR and marketing before transitioning to charity fundraising. Her experience includes roles at Meningitis Trust and a three-year stint at children's grief charity Winston's Wish, where she also served as acting CEO for a year.

 

Since its establishment in 1992 by SJP founders Mike Wilson and Sir Mark Weinberg, the St. James's Place (SJP) Charitable Foundation has become one of the leading corporate foundations in the UK. Over three decades, it has donated more than £130 million to hundreds of worthy causes, supporting transformational change in lives across the UK and overseas.

 

Appointed as Head of the Foundation in 2018, Catherine brings both expertise and passion to her role. In her Purposely Podcast conversation, she offers valuable insights into the Foundation's unique model and its far-reaching impact.

 

The SJP Charitable Foundation concentrates its efforts on four core areas: supporting disadvantaged children and young people, hospices, cancer support charities, and mental health. What distinguishes it from other corporate foundations is its deep integration with the company culture. As Catherine explains, "Unlike other corporate foundations, it's not an endowment fund. It's very much an integrated part of the business."

This integration is evident in the remarkable participation of SJP's community of over 10,000 partners and employees. An impressive 80% contribute through regular payroll giving, accounting for a third of the Foundation's annual income. This collective approach has enabled the Foundation to directly support 3.5 million people, with 66% reporting substantial or transformative change in their lives.

 

The Foundation's success stems from its ability to harness the collective power of the SJP community. From company-wide fundraising events to skills-based volunteering, it fosters a shared sense of purpose that extends beyond financial contributions. Catherine emphasises the importance of this approach: "By pooling those monies, we can really invest in some smaller charities who are phenomenal, those grassroots charities that we all know in wherever we live."

 

Under Catherine's leadership, the Foundation continues to evolve, adapting to changing needs while remaining true to its core mission. The team focuses on maximising impact through multi-year funding, supporting core costs, and maintaining open dialogues with grantees. Recent evaluations show that 79% of beneficiaries report substantive or transformative change, a testament to the effectiveness of their approach.

 

Case Study: The Foundation's Support of Onside Youth Zones

 

One shining example of the Foundation's impactful work is its support of Onside Youth Zones. Catherine shares her enthusiasm for this partnership:

 

"Onside are really transforming youth provision in communities and disadvantaged communities. Us partnering with them to really help them deliver their goal, which is to have a youth zone in all communities across the UK, we are seeing absolutely that transformation, changing lives for the better for the youngsters who use these facilities."

 

Jamie Masraff, CEO of Onside Youth Zones and a previous guest on Purposely (Episode #151: 'Stepping up to the role of CEO')

Welcome to Purposely with Stephen Brandon, Manager of the Whanganui Community Foundation. Stephen's path to charity leadership is truly extraordinary, characterised by a rich tapestry of experiences. In our conversation, Stephen shares how his faith, deep empathy for others, and unwavering dedication to his local community fuel his relentless pursuit of excellence in leading the foundation. Alongside obtaining a master's degree in music, he developed a passion for technology and coding, enabling him to create software solutions. He has also ventured across various countries, including Japan, Scotland, Eastern Europe, and his native region of Whanganui in the North Island of New Zealand. In his current role, Stephen draws on these diverse experiences to make a meaningful impact on the local community while also supporting community trusts nationwide.

One of 12 community trusts in New Zealand the establishment of the Whanganui Community Foundation traces back to the sale of Trust Bank shares, specifically Trust Bank Whanganui. Initially, their primary focus was on benefiting the community through charitable work. However, in recent years, their purpose has evolved to adopt a more strategic approach, targeting specific areas of need and deprivation.

The foundation is deeply committed to creating a significant impact within the community using the available funds. They give away approximately a million dollars each year, and these funds are distributed among numerous organisations, often in smaller amounts. While these contributions make a meaningful difference to many organisations and are critical for some, the foundation aims to avoid becoming the sole source of funding for any organisation. They strive to foster a diverse funding landscape where organisations have access to a variety of resources.

To increase their impact the foundation is actively exploring avenues to raise additional funds and expand their endowment. It is hoped that this transition from an endowed trust to a foundation that pursues growth opportunities and additional funds will mean they can give more. The foundation is engaged in discussions with other funding organisations regarding potential partnerships for grant-making although no decisions have been made. Leveraging their efficient systems, strong community relationships, and sound decision-making, they aim to include additional funds within their processes.

Stephen also highlights the positive changes implemented by the foundation. Previously, there was no public face to the foundation, resulting in minimal feedback provided to applicants other than a standard rejection letter. However, they have now begun collaborating with local funders and exploring possibilities of co-funding, which holds great potential for supporting other organisations.

Welcoming Anna Josse to Purposely to share her mission to empower and inspire giving in the UK and Globally.

Join us as we delve into the world of purpose-driven giving with Anna Josse, co-founder, and CEO of Prism the Gift Fund. Anna's remarkable story as a founder and her unwavering commitment to social entrepreneurship have paved the way for one of the largest donor-advised funds in the UK.

In the early 2000s, Anna's curiosity led her to explore trust structures in America, igniting a passion to understand and revolutionize the UK market with her unique approach to giving. This drive to make a difference laid the foundation for Prism the Gift Fund (Prism). At the core of Prism’s mission is the empowerment of organisations, individuals, and groups to contribute to meaningful causes without the burden of establishing their own charitable foundations. By increasing the flow of funds into the charitable sector, locally and globally, Prism strives to create lasting impact and positive change.

Since its inception in 2005, Prism has experienced remarkable growth, fuelled by referrals from clients and private client intermediaries such as banks, law firms, and accountants. This organic expansion has meant that in financial year end June 2022, they received £115 million in donation income, distributed £60 million worldwide, and have assets valued at approximately £250 million.

Anna's pursuit of excellence extends beyond philanthropy. She believes in creating memorable experiences, whether engaging with others or hosting a dinner party. Every interaction is infused with a commitment to value and comfort, reflecting her dedication to making a difference in all aspects of life.

The success of Prism can be attributed to multiple factors. Anna highlights the growing acceptance of donor-advised funds in the sector, providing major donors with a solution to fill funding gaps left by the government. Moreover, navigating the complex regulatory landscape has been instrumental in Prism’s achievements.

Anna emphasizes Prism’s focus lies in distributing funds into the sector, not just in accumulating money. Their success is measured by the impact of funds donated to causes promoting social and environmental well-being, making a tangible difference in the world.

Collaborating with Prism offers numerous advantages, including their expertise in tax-related matters, such as maximizing the value of donations through Gift Aid. They also embrace diverse forms of contributions, from cash and shares to property, art, and even crypto currencies, ensuring flexibility for donors.

Anna's commitment to fostering positive change is at the forefront of Prism’s endeavours. With each step forward, they amplify the flow of funds into the charitable sector, ensuring vital resources reach those who need them most. Anna challenges major donors to reflect on their giving capacity and consider expanding their contributions, as the rewards of giving extend far beyond the act itself.

‘We encourage a paradigm shift towards the concept of ‘warm money’ — giving during one's lifetime, when the impact can be directly felt and experienced.’

Welcome to Purposely with Debra Allcock Tyler, CEO of the Directory of Social Change (DSC). Established in 1988, DSC has been a trusted resource in the non-profit sector, providing vital research, high-quality training, and ongoing support to charity leaders and volunteers. In addition, DSC advocates on behalf of organizations facing tough challenges, from economic crises to the recent global pandemic.

With over two decades of leadership experience at DSC, Debra has played a crucial role in empowering charities to fulfil their missions despite limited resources and frequent obstacles. She proudly emphasizes DSC's position as a sector leader, offering unique resources that remain relevant, even as competition has emerged. Debra also discusses the evolving nature of the sector, highlighting shifts in attitudes and approaches.

One example of this shift is the increasing transparency in funding practices. Debra recalls a time when DSC faced criticism from trusts and foundations for publishing their information in directories. Nowadays, organizations inquire why they haven't been included, indicating a sector-wide move toward openness.

DSC operates as a self-sustaining charity, generating revenue through resource sales. By reducing reliance on grants, Debra explains how DSC maintains the freedom to express its views and remain critical without concerns about offending funders or losing support. This financial independence enables DSC to stay true to its purpose.

Debra underscores the importance of staying connected to the core purpose of the work rather than becoming fixated on specific methods. This mindset has allowed her and the DSC team to continuously find innovative ways to support charities. Their agility and responsiveness to emerging needs have resulted in valuable services.

Throughout our conversation, Debra candidly shares her experiences as a leader at DSC. She openly acknowledges that she didn't have all the answers when she first joined the organization and describes how her leadership approach has evolved over the years.

Debra believes that people tend to emulate what they observe as effective. She points out that traditional leadership and management followed a predominantly male and patriarchal paradigm, emphasizing growth and similar metrics. However, she highlights the success of alternative leadership styles that have emerged, challenging the old norms.

In leadership, the primary objective is to ensure team members are aligned with the vision. Authenticity lies in supporting and enabling individuals to bring out their best to achieve that shared vision. Debra emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between being authentic to the leadership role and simply proclaiming, "This is me, take it or leave it," which is unsuitable for effective leadership.

Drawing from a powerful analogy, Debra passionately addresses the need for charities to go beyond providing temporary solutions and address the root causes of societal issues. She highlights the duty of charities to not only rescue people from the river but also go upstream and fix the source of the problem. While acknowledging that complete eradication of issues may be unattainable, she emphasises the importance of advocacy and voice in driving preventive measures.

The responsibility to lead the sector in the right direction is significant, but DSC's unwavering commitment to empowering organizations and fostering positive change has guided them for the past 20 years.

"Our focus has always been on helping organizations improve their practices and achieve their goals, whether it's fundraising, governance, leadership, or other vital areas."

 

Welcome to Purposely with Loredana Fyffe, CEO of the Sydney Community Foundation (SCF). Established in 2004, the foundation has been connecting philanthropy with Sydney communities in need for over a decade. Loredana recently celebrated her first year in the role and shares her experiences thus far, along with her vision for the future. This includes building upon the positive impact achieved so far while focusing on growing the foundation's managed funds to ensure long-term and significant impact.

Loredana also discusses her family dynamics and the inspiration she draws from her parents and grandparents. As the daughter of Italian immigrants to Australia, she admires her parents' bravery in moving to a country where they didn't speak the language, as well as their strong work ethic and selflessness, which has deeply influenced her.

Initially starting her career as a product designer, Loredana was fortunate to become involved in a workplace giving initiative that ignited a passion within her for the for-purpose sector. From that point forward, she dedicated herself to making a difference.

Operating as a charitable trust, the foundation pools donations from individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of Sydneysiders. SCF is one of 40 community foundations based in Australia, collectively managing funds totalling $500 million. Over a two-year period leading up to 2022, they donated $145 million to various good causes across the country.

The foundation's most prominent sub-fund is the Sydney Women's Fund, which was established shortly after its inception, reflecting the priority placed on promoting gender equity from the beginning. Like women's funds in New York, Washington, and London, the Sydney Women's Fund is supported by women who come together to make a collective impact. They utilize their profiles, ideas, skills, and resources to ensure that all women and girls in Sydney thrive.

Notably, the Women's Fund was initiated by influential figures such as Wendy McCarthy AO and Lucy Brogden AM, with Georgina Byron AM currently serving as its dedicated chair, channelling their expertise into research, advocacy, program funding, fundraising, and raising awareness about gender equity in the city. Together, their efforts aim to drive positive change and foster a more equitable society.

Loredana highlights the numerous grassroots programs that the foundation has funded over the years. Many of these programs have become deeply embedded in their communities, particularly addressing the challenges faced by women and families in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Sydney.

Last year, the foundation mourned the loss of its former chair, Rosalind Strong AM, whose unwavering belief in Loredana led her to join the foundation. Rosalind played a significant role in shaping the foundation and its impactful initiatives. Among her many accomplishments, she organized flagship events celebrating the remarkable women of Sydney. In memory of Rosalind, she generously contributed to the foundation.

Loredana is genuinely enthusiastic about expanding the foundation's reach and fostering even greater generosity across the city of New South Wales.

Welcome to Purposely with Greg Millar, a leading fundraising professional who has successfully raised millions for important causes and prominent charities globally. Greg currently serves as the National Fundraising Manager at IHC, New Zealand's leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Greg shares his journey, starting with his formative years growing up overseas before moving to New Zealand at the age of 9. As the son of Salvation Army Missionaries, Greg witnessed his parents' dedication to promoting their faith while helping people in need in Mumbai, India.

Tragically, Greg's mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer in her early thirties, and he reflects on the challenges of losing her at a young age. However, he cherishes fond memories of her, particularly from their time in India. After his mother's passing, Greg's father brought the family back to New Zealand. As the eldest child, Greg became aware of the cultural differences between his experiences and those of his New Zealand peers. Additionally, being raised by a sole parent for 25 years, Greg deeply admires his father for his role as both a wonderful father figure and for his work assisting marginalised individuals, many of whom faced addiction issues. Greg vividly remembers weekends spent weeding gardens for the people his father supported, experiences that laid the foundation for his career in the charity sector and his commitment to purpose.

In the early 1980s, Greg pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and education at the University of Auckland. He then embarked on an Overseas Experience (OE) to the UK, where he secured a position in the press and publication relations department of NSPCC, one of the largest charities in the country.

Since then, Greg has built a successful career in charity fundraising, working in the UK, New Zealand, Geneva, Switzerland, Washington, USA, and Rome, Italy. He has held senior fundraising roles with international development agencies such as UNICEF Global, UNHCR, and WWF. Greg has also made significant contributions to organisations like the Auckland City Mission, leading award-winning fundraising and marketing campaigns. He began his fundraising journey at Presbyterian Support, where he gained valuable experience.

Greg shares his fundraising secrets and acknowledges that his early decision-making was guided by intuition rather than solely relying on data or testing ideas and approaches. This approach, learned during his experiences abroad, has given him and his teams the confidence to be bold and aim for ambitious targets.

While Greg finds fulfilment in making a difference by raising more income for frontline services, he recognises that direct work with individuals in need may not be his strong suit. Instead, he utilises his skills and knowledge to raise funds and ensure greater reach and impact.

As a passionate proponent of fundraising, Greg has resisted the temptation to transition into general charity leadership. He is a living example that fundraising can provide a long, fulfilling, and impactful career option, both in NZ and across the world and presenting endless meaningful challenges.

Welcome to Purposely with Maree Sidey, CEO of the Australian Communities Foundation. As a unique donor-advised fund with total funds of over £150 million, the foundation aims to activate a nation of givers. It was established in 1997 by Marion Webster OAM and Hayden Raysmith AM, with the assistance of the late Peter Hero from the highly successful San Francisco Community Foundation. They pioneered the community foundation model in Australia, initially establishing the Melbourne Community Foundation, which later became the Australian Communities Foundation in 2011. Maree has been leading the foundation since 2015, and under her leadership, the organisation has doubled in size, reach, and impact over the past eight years. In this episode, Maree discusses a wide range of topics and issues, both professional and personal. She shares her personal journey as the daughter of a minister, her passion for social justice, and the significance of values-based leadership and authenticity in the workplace (as well as at home as a mother to teenagers!). It's a fascinating conversation that showcases one of the success stories of people-powered philanthropy. ‘Social justice runs through my veins. As the daughter of a social worker and a Baptist minister, the values of justice, equity, privilege, inclusion, and giving voice to the marginalised were deeply ingrained in our family and shaped the way we perceived the world’. Initially, Maree pursued a career as a social worker, developing a deep passion for a systemic approach to understanding the world. She analysed underlying dynamics and sought ways to intervene and create a fairer system. This focus has remained constant throughout her career, whether she was working in Child and Family Services, Youth Mental Health organisations, or even in the realm of drug and alcohol services and community sports clubs. Her goal has always been to promote social justice and effect positive change. Maree also explains how this commitment led her to her current role in philanthropy. Maree is passionate about Australian generosity and is well-positioned to discuss it, comparing the local approach to that of the United States. ‘We tend to be less public about our contributions, which can pose a challenge in fostering a culture of giving. Peer-to-peer conversations play a crucial role in encouraging others to give by openly discussing the reasons behind our own philanthropic choices and the organisations or causes we support passionately.’ She also delves into the future direction of the foundation and its main areas of focus. The foundations aim is not simply to promote giving for the sake of it, but rather to address pressing issues such as climate change and advocate for First Nations self-determination. Maree discusses the referendum that aims to change the Australian Constitution, acknowledging and embracing First Nations people to create a fairer Australia. Granting them a voice in Parliament is seen as an essential step towards formalising a treaty or reconciliation process, acknowledging past injustices, promoting healing, and moving forward together while honouring the wisdom and knowledge of the worlds oldest living culture. In addition to her role as CEO of the Australian Communities Foundation, Maree serves on the boards of Philanthropy Australia, Community Foundations Australia, and the Centre for Australian Progress.

Welcome to Purposely with Stacey Thomas, a highly regarded philanthropy leader who is making a significant impact in the field of philanthropy. Stacey is the CEO of one of Australia’s oldest private foundations which is embracing its past and its history at the same time ensuring it puts it resources to work for a more equitable future for the people it helps.

Stacey serves as a trustee for two philanthropy peak bodies who have recently pledge their commitment to the Voice, a campaign to change the constitution of Australia to ensure a better future for First Nation people. She is also part-time CEO of a start-up community foundation that she is growing and scaling in addition to her other responsibilities.

Stacey's primary role is as CEO of The Wyatt Trust, a private charitable foundation established in1886 by Dr. William Wyatt. The Trust has a $100 million endowment and donates approximately $4 million each year to good causes across South Australia, with a focus on supporting South Australians in need in areas such as employment, education, housing, and financial literacy. Dr. Wyatt was a prominent figure in South Australia, involved in numerous social purpose activities, including serving as a justice of the peace, magistrate, surgeon, state coroner, and founder and board member of several private schools.

He was also on the board of many institutions that still exist today, including the Botanic Gardens, the History Society, State Library, Adelaide Hospital RSPCA, and the Adelaide Zoo.

Despite its unique history, The Wyatt Trust continues to use Dr. Wyatt's interests and beliefs in doing good around poverty and medicine to guide its grant-making. The Trust allows people experiencing financial hardship to determine what support they need most and works within the framework of what people need most at their time of need.

However, The Trust faces challenges in working within South Australia because it is a large state with a relatively small population. The main city, Adelaide, is on the southern boundary of the state, but there are also many regional and remote communities in the state.

Stacey's passion for social justice and community development has helped shape The Wyatt Trust's vision and strategy for improving the lives of vulnerable communities in South Australia.

Stacey grew up in Victoria and earned a degree in Social Work from the University of South Australia. Later, she pursued a master’s degree in Business Administration and began her career in the non-profit sector, working for various organizations focused on community development and poverty reduction. She also gained valuable experience in the private sector, working for companies in the finance and insurance industries.