The Value In Giving: Recent Episodes
Vanguard Charitable
Philanthropy is a powerful tool that creates lasting change in the world. Hosted by Vanguard Charitable President Rebecca Moffett, the Value in Giving is a podcast that brings together leaders from nonprofit organizations and community foundations across the world of philanthropy. Learn more about the importance of giving, how nonprofits are responding to crises and addressing inequality, and how to take action now to support their efforts.
Join Rebecca Moffett, President of Vanguard Charitable, in this episode of “The Value in Giving” podcast, as she discusses trust-based philanthropy and how unconditional cash transfers help those in extreme poverty, with GiveDirectly, a nonprofit organization based in East Africa, working towards aiding families living in extreme poverty.
Caroline Teti is the Director of Recipient Advocacy for GiveDirectly. GiveDirectly is a nonprofit organization operating in East Africa that helps families living in extreme poverty by providing cash, giving them the autonomy to use it for their most urgent needs. These cash transfers can have the same critical impact on those in need as unrestricted grants have on nonprofits.
Tune in to learn more about the profound impact of the direct cash giving approach and how these transfers have led to a substantial positive impact on thousands of families and even reductions in domestic violence incidents. GiveDirectly’s mission shows how the transformative potential of comparatively small interventions in impoverished communities can have a significant impact on individual lives.
Timecode Summary
- 00:24 – The episode starts by introducing the topic and focuses on GiveDirectly, providing listeners with a background of the organization's purpose and mission.
- 02:05 – The narrative delves into the inception of unconditional cash transfers, tracing back to the organization's early attempts to give money without conditions. The episode explains the context of providing cash to individuals in Kenya and elaborates on the profound impact of this approach.
- 03:58 – The podcast covers the process of identifying individuals, addressing common questions that arise regarding the fairness and impact of such selections.
- 06:25 – A significant aspect discussed is the tangible impact of cash transfers on societal issues. Specifically, the episode highlights how these transfers have led to a substantial reduction in domestic violence incidents in Kenya.
- 08:27 – The segment emphasizes the availability of research data related to GiveDirectly's initiatives. It discusses the platform GD Live, which offers valuable insights and stories of recipients.
- 12:41 – The podcast expands its scope to discuss the broader role of innovation, not just in the context of GiveDirectly but also within the technology sector as a whole. It emphasizes the necessity of innovation to bring about transformative changes, particularly in addressing complex challenges in regions like Africa.
- 14:00 – GiveDirectly's approach to reaching a larger audience is explored, alongside the policies and strategies implemented to effectively alleviate poverty on a larger scale.
- 15:54 – Through a poignant story of an individual facing extreme poverty, the episode emphasizes that even modest resources can have a profound impact on people's lives. It underscores the transformative potential of comparatively small interventions in impoverished communities.
- 18:11 – The episode delves into the significance of maintaining long-term charitable commitments. It discusses the benefits of consistent and sustained giving, highlighting how such commitment helps build trust and confidence in the organization's mission and actions.
- 21:30 – The final part of the episode explores the importance of transparency, both with donors and recipients. It underlines the value of being transparent about the organization's operations and the distribution of resources. The necessity of rigorous scientific studies and transparent reporting, even when outcomes are challenging, is also discussed.
Join host Rebecca Moffett on today’s episode of The Value in Giving podcast as she chats with Corrine O’Connell, the Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity, Philadelphia. Corrine brings a wealth of knowledge and extensive background to this enlightening conversation as she and Rebecca delve into trust-based philanthropy and unrestricted giving.
The podcast highlights the unique approach that donors can take to make an impact on organizations like Habitat for Humanity, and how flexibility in giving is essential for organizations to fulfill their missions. Don’t miss out on this week’s episode. Be sure to tune in to learn more!
Summary:
0:00 - The podcast episode begins with Rebecca Moffitt, president of Vanguard Charitable, introducing Habitat for Humanity, Philadelphia. She mentions that Habitat for Humanity has been the largest nonprofit homebuilder worldwide since 1985.
1:53 - Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia operates as an independently run franchise model and is one of 1,100 Habitat chapters across the United States. It serves the geographic service area of Philadelphia County, having built 246 homes and currently working on 27 homes. Their mission is to empower first-time homebuyers with a 30-year mortgage.
4:43 - Discusses the significant increase in the use of unrestricted grants by Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. This shift reflects a trend in donors moving toward trust-based philanthropy. Unrestricted gifts are seen as an indication that the organization has strong leadership, is making an impact within their cause area, has a strategic roadmap, and displays overall trustworthiness.
8:09 - The importance of flexibility in an ever-changing environment is highlighted. Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia recently received a generous $5 million unrestricted gift from Mackenzie Scott, emphasizing the value of such transformative donations.
10:21 - Explores the impact of Mackenzie Scott's donation on Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. It discusses how Mackenzie and her team learned about the organization and how her approach to trust-based philanthropy sets her apart.
13:28 - Mackenzie Scott is regarded as an outlier in the donor base of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. Her longstanding loyalty to the organization is emphasized, and the podcast provides guidance for donors on how to build trust with organizations similar to Habitat for Humanity. Vanguard Charitable offers tools to support this process.
16:24 - Volunteer engagement is highlighted as a great way to get involved with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. Vanguard Charitable encourages its donors to participate in volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of an organization's impact.
19:05 - Discusses the diverse approaches donors take in measuring impact and emphasizes the importance of combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Trust-based philanthropy is recognized as a powerful way to make a significant impact.
To launch our third season of “The Value in Giving” podcast, Vanguard Charitable invites you to join us in celebrating our 25th anniversary. Since our founding in 1997, we have granted over $15 billion to more than 113,000 organizations, making a significant impact on philanthropy. In this multi-episode mini-series, we delve into the stories of three nonprofits that were among Vanguard Charitable's first grantees: Martha's Vineyard Museum, Shelter House, and the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank.
In the second part of our 25th anniversary series, hear how Shelter House in Northern Virginia and San Francisco-Marin Food Bank in California have grown since that first grant, how they continue to evolve, and how unrestricted giving helps further their missions to end homelessness and hunger in their communities.
Dani Colón, Deputy Executive Director of Shelter House, Inc. discusses how the organization was founded and how it evolved to today offering a full spectrum of homelessness services that begins with prevention and diversion. She shares incredible examples of the impact unrestricted funding has on Shelter House’s clients.
Chris Padula, Chief Philanthropy and Engagement Officer of the San Francisco Marin Food Bank, talks about the support they’ve received from Vanguard Charitable donors over the past 25 years and how that has helped further their mission to end hunger in our San Francisco Marin community.
Learn about the incredible impact donors have with giving unrestricted funding and how donors can build trust and support organizations like Shelter House and San Francisco Marin Food Bank.
SummarySummary Shelter House
- 0:00 - Exploring the beginnings of Shelter House, including the circumstances that led to its establishment and the vision behind its mission.
- 2:13 - Discovering the wide range of services offered by Shelter House, with a particular focus on its initiatives in Loudoun County. Learn about the organization's commitment to addressing homelessness in a holistic manner.
- 6:52 - Gaining insight into the profound effects of homelessness on families and the specific challenges they face. Learn about Shelter House's efforts to provide stability and support to homeless families in need.
- 10:49 - Understanding the importance of flexible funding in assisting victims of domestic abuse who are seeking protective orders. Explore real-life case studies and expert insights on how Shelter House empowers survivors through the utilization of these funds.
- 14:46 - Learning valuable advice on establishing trust with nonprofit organizations, drawing from Shelter House's experiences. Discover the significance of unrestricted giving, transparency, and long-term engagement in forming strong partnerships and maximizing social impact.
- 19:07 - Exploring how donors can engage with Shelter House through a cultural lens, gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of the communities served. Discover how this knowledge enhances appreciation for the organization's work and impact.
Summary San Francisco Marin Food Bank
- 20:48 -Uncover the inspiring journey of the San Francisco Marin Food Bank and its relentless efforts in combating hunger. Learn about the organization's history, mission, and the challenges it has overcome to make a lasting impact on the community.
- 25:43 - Highlighting the vital role played by donor-advised funds in supporting the San Francisco Marin Food Bank. Gain insights into how these funds provide flexible and sustained resources to address food insecurity effectively.
- 30:44 - Exploring the importance of unrestricted funding for ensuring the long-term sustainability of efforts to combat hunger. Learn how the San Francisco Marin Food Bank invests in community partners and fosters lasting relationships to maintain a steady stream of support.
- 35:20 – Examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the San Francisco Marin Food Bank's revenue and donations. Despite ongoing challenges, understand the continued need for support and the crucial role that donors play in sustaining the organization's operations.
- 39:12 - Advice for donors supporting the San Francisco Marin Food Bank. The podcast concludes with practical advice for donors who wish to contribute to the San Francisco Marin Food Bank.
To launch our third season of “The Value in Giving” podcast, Vanguard Charitable invites you to join us in celebrating our 25th anniversary. Since our founding in 1997, we have granted over $15 billion to more than 113,000 organizations, making a significant impact on philanthropy. In this multi-episode mini-series, we delve into the stories of three nonprofits that were among Vanguard Charitable's first grantees: Martha's Vineyard Museum, Shelter House, and the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank.
In this episode, discover the captivating story of Martha's Vineyard Museum. Join us as we explore what’s changed since that first grant, how they continue to evolve, and the role different granting sources play in helping the museum advance its mission. Heather Seger, Executive Director of Martha's Vineyard Museum, shares how they transformed from a historical society collecting artifacts for 75 years to a leader in diversity and inclusion that showcases the stories of immigrants to the island.
Learn about the critical role DAFs have played in supporting the museum's mission, ensuring long-term funding and a rise in recurring grants, while also discovering the significance of fostering communication and trust with donors by keeping them informed about the museum's progress and challenges.
Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Martha's Vineyard Museum, its commitment to diversity, and the powerful impact of DAFs in shaping its narrative and philanthropic endeavors.
Summary0:00 – Introduction to the mini-series celebrating Vanguard Charitable's 25th anniversary
1:05 – Vanguard Charitable's Origins and Mission with Jack Brennan, Chairman Emeritus and Senior Advisor of Vanguard
2:43 – Guest Introduction: Heather Seeger, Executive Director of Martha's Vineyard Museum
4:20 – Evolution of the Museum: From historic society to Martha's Vineyard Museum
7:11 – Centennial Celebration and Programs
8:39 – Dorothy West Exhibit and Jaws Anniversary: Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the film Jaws
9:42 – Origins of American Sign Language in Chilmark and Embracing Diversity
11:13 – Donor-Advised Funds at Vanguard Charitable: The role of DAFs, ease for donors and impact on the museum’s mission
13:43 – Communication with Donors and Trust Building
15:46 – Conclusion
To recap Season 2 of the Value of Giving podcast, host Rebecca Moffett is joined by Elaine Kenig, Director of Communications and Strategy at Vanguard Charitable. This season we've interviewed incredible organizations such as Save the Children, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, Surgo Ventures, Capshift, and Candid; including our own Mark Froehlich, Chief Financial Officer at Vanguard Charitable. In this final episode, we discuss a few key things we’ve learned this season such as the importance of trust and unrestricted giving, how to leverage data to help drive solutions, and strategic approaches for maximizing charitable impact, including advice for donors.
We thank everyone who listened to the second season of The Value in Giving and look forward to sharing more conversations with leaders in the world of philanthropy very soon. For more information about Vanguard Charitable, please visit www.vanguardcharitable.org.
Host, Rebecca Moffett is joined by Jacob Harold, Executive Vice President at Candid to discuss different approaches to evaluating charitable organizations. With all of the available resources about nonprofits, what should donors look for? They discuss how donors can determine which resources are best for them and how to evaluate whether a nonprofit aligns with their own charitable purpose and goals.
In this episode, Host Rebecca Moffett is joined by Liz Sessler, Chief Operating Officer at Capshift to discuss how you can maximize your charitable impact with creative giving vehicles such as recoverable grants. Liz and Rebecca discuss how recoverable grants are a strategic philanthropic tool donors can use for impact investing through their donor-advised fund. This episode will detail how recoverable grants are different from traditional grants, three ways donors use recoverable grants, and tips for philanthropists who are looking to make an impact through recoverable grants.
On Episode 3 of the Value in Giving Podcast, Rebecca Moffett, President of Vangaurd Charitable, is joined by Vanguard Charitable’s Chief Financial Officer Mark Froehlich to discuss how donors can maximize their charitable impact by aligning their investments with charitable values. Our speakers will share various considerations that donors should make about their investment strategy, discuss the importance of understanding the philosophy behind an investment, and provide recommendations on the best practices to reach investment goals. Specifically, this episode will elaborate on four key principles donors should consider: crafting clear goals, remaining balanced, minimizing costs, and maintaining long-term discipline. Rebecca and Mark will also offer information regarding Vanguard Charitable’s offerings, options, and resources that donors can utilize to enhance their investment strategies.
In this episode, host Rebecca Moffett, President of Vanguard Charitable talks with Hannah Kemp, Vice President for Impact and Growth at Surgo Ventures about what's next in the pandemic and philanthropy and understanding how to strengthen our communities by using data. Co-hosting with Rebecca is Magda Guillen Swanson, who manages the research and development program at Vanguard Charitable and partnered with Surgo to develop the Nonprofit Aid Visualizer (NAVi) which helps donors connect with nonprofits in need that focus on particular issue areas.
In Season 2’s first episode Jane Greenfield, President Emeritus of Vanguard Charitable kicks of the season by focusing on what's next in disaster relief and how donors can continue to make an impact. Joining the discussion is Patty McIlreavy, President and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children, US.
During the course of our first season of The Value in Giving podcast, we've been fortunate to speak to some incredible guests. They include leaders from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, UNICEF USA, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the CDC Foundation, Feeding America, and the Center for High Impact Philanthropy (CHIP). On this final episode of Season 1, Vanguard Charitable President Jane Greenfield and Vanguard Charitable Chief Strategic Planning Officer Rebecca Moffett discuss some of the highlights from each episode and what has changed since we last spoke with our guests. In addition, we also get to hear from a few Season 1 guests about what their organizations are working on today in a world where COVID-19 and social justice are at the forefront.
We thank everyone who listened to the first season of The Value in Giving and look forward to sharing more conversations with leaders in the world of philanthropy very soon. For more information about Vanguard Charitable, please visit www.vanguardcharitable.org.
On Episode 6 of the Value in Giving podcast, Vanguard Charitable President Jane Greenfield welcomes Katherina "Kat" Rosqueta from The Center for High Impact Philanthropy (CHIP) at the University of Pennsylvania. On this podcast, the two discuss what exactly "high impact" philanthropy means and what role CHIP has in the battle against COVID-19. Rosqueta shares some tips to make the most of one's charitable donation and how the organization she started is delivering positive change.
On Episode 5 of the Value in Giving podcast, Casey Marsh, Chief Development Officer of Feeding America, joins Vanguard Charitable President Jane Greenfield to discuss the invaluable role Feeding America is playing to help alleviate hunger during the COVID-19 pandemic. With increasingly more people battling what the organization calls "food insecurity," the need for charitable support in the world of hunger relief has arguably never been greater. On this podcast, Marsh talks about how hunger is often symptom of other societal inequalities and how COVID-19 has shown many Americans that hunger is not just an issue that affects families abroad but one that impacts millions here in the U.S.
On Episode 4 of the Value in Giving podcast, Dr. Judy Monroe, President and CEO of the CDC Foundation, joins Vanguard Charitable President Jane Greenfield to talk about the critical role the CDC Foundation is playing in the fight against COVID-19 not just in the U.S. but around the globe. Monroe talks about what the CDC Foundation is doing now to support relief efforts and how today's work has been informed by the Foundation's fight against pandemics and epidemics in the past. Additionally, this discussion dives into who's donating (it's not just adults) and how to donate to an organization helping pave the way for a path back to a "new normal."
On Episode 3 of the Value in Giving podcast, Victoria Vrana, Deputy Director of Policy, Systems and Giving by All at Gates Foundation, speaks with Jane Greenfield about the unique and critical role the Gates Foundation is playing in COVID-19 relief. Victoria shares insights from the front lines of the Gates Foundation’s role in COVID-19 treatment development, vaccine development, and health initiatives across the globe. Additionally, the two discuss how charitable organizations and individuals can give back during the world’s most critical time of need.
On Episode 2 of the Value in Giving podcast, Michael Nyenhuis, President and CEO of UNICEF USA, speaks with Jane Greenfield about how his organization is supporting children around the world before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. As the newly appointed leader of the organization, Michael shares a bit about his philanthropic background and how one of America's most recognizable charities is fighting the Coronavirus by delivering needed medical supplies and educational solutions to those who need them most. To view the celebrity-filled, special event Michael references in the podcast, visit www.unicefwontstop.org.
On Episode 1 of the Value in Giving podcast, Nicole Taylor, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, speaks with Jane Greenfield about the importance of supporting COVID-19 relief efforts through philanthropy. Nicole shares more about how her background as a public school teacher inspired her to be an agent of change and how the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and its donors are working to alleviate the serious inequalities in our communities brought to light by COVID-19.
Philanthropy is a powerful tool that creates lasting change and brings much-needed relief in times of crisis. Now, as we face the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important that ever to focus philanthropic efforts on bringing relief to the millions impacted by the virus. Hosted by Vanguard Charitable President Jane Greenfield, the Value in Giving is a podcast that brings together leaders from nonprofit organizations and community foundations across the world of philanthropy. Learn more about the importance of giving, how nonprofits are responding to the coronavirus crisis and how to take action now to support relief efforts.