Giving Back to Your Hometown with Bean Path’s Nashlie Sephus
Nashlie Sephus, Ph.D. brought her passion for technology and experience as an entrepreneur back to her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi to bridge the technology gap and plant the seeds for a thriving community. Nashlie joins Phil and Grace in the season four finale to share how the nonprofit she founded, Bean Path, went from informal drop-in hours at the local library to a vital community organization with event spaces, expert-taught courses, and a growing track record of success in helping people of all ages gain essential tech skills. Nashlie also shares what surprised her about moving from the business world to running a nonprofit and offers advice for other donors with a vision.
Additional Resources
The Bean Path
Praxis
Society of Women Engineers
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45:27
Taking on Philanthropy’s Toughest Critiques with Beth Breeze
Philanthropy has been the subject of intensifying criticism, so how should donors think about their role in creating a better world? Beth Breeze, Ph.D., director of the Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Kent, has spent more than a decade examining and responding to critiques of philanthropy, most recently authoring the 2021 book, “In Defence of Philanthropy.” In conversation with Phil and Grace, she makes the case that the critics are largely getting it wrong, overlooking the positive results of giving and the unique role that civil society and nonprofits play in any thriving democracy.
Additional Resources
In Defence of Philanthropy by Beth Breeze
University of Kent Centre for Philanthropy
Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand Giridharadas
Munk Debate on Billionaire Philanthropy: Rob Reich vs. Beth Breeze
The Roddick Foundation
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe
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56:44
Giving Cash to Those in Need with Paul Niehaus of GiveDirectly
As we begin a new year, we’re sharing a classic from the Giving Done Right archive in which 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. They also discuss the effective altruism movement and how to consider giving domestically versus internationally.
Additional Resources
GiveDirectly
Cash transfer research via GiveDirectly
GiveWell
The Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically by Peter Singer
Universal Basic Income project in Kenya
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42:51
Julián Castro on Supporting a Diverse Latino Community after Trump’s Win
From his days as mayor of San Antonio, Texas to serving as a Cabinet Secretary under former President Barack Obama to leading the nation's largest Latino-serving foundation, Julián Castro has always sought to create positive change in people's lives. As CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, Julián joins Phil and Grace to discuss his vision for a thriving Latino community in the U.S., sharing how philanthropy can enhance civic engagement and improve educational, health, and employment outcomes for Latinos. They also delve into the implications of the 2024 election results, including the shift rightward among at least a segment of Latino voters, the incoming Trump administration’s potential implementation of mass deportations, and challenges to the nonprofit sector broadly including proposed legislation in Congress.
Additional Resources
Latino Community Foundation
UnidosUS
H.R.9495 - Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act
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52:43
Get Curious and Stay the Course: Advice for Donors from Philanthropists Jeff and Tricia Raikes
Jeff and Tricia Raikes, co-founders of the Raikes Foundation, join Phil and Grace to share their path to philanthropy, their focus on creating supportive systems and fostering belonging for youth, and their belief in proximity and partnership with both nonprofits and beneficiaries of their funding. They discuss what they learned as they transitioned to full-time philanthropy and how donors can avoid common pitfalls. Phil and Jeff also debate the merits of comparing giving to investing.
Additional Resources
Raikes Foundation
CEP’s Grantee Perception Report
YouthTruth
Giving Compass’ Learning Center
CEP’s Resources for Individual Donors
Solidaire Network
Women Donors Network
Find your local community foundation
From the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), Giving Done Right is the show with everything you need to know to make an impact with your charitable giving. Whether you’re donating a few hundred dollars a year, a few thousand, or a few million, you might find yourself wondering: Where should I give? How do I know which nonprofits are effective? How do I know if I’m really making a difference with my donation? Join hosts Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette as they welcome leaders and experts from throughout the nonprofit sector to answer philanthropy’s burning questions and bust some myths that have long plagued donors and nonprofits alike. In a time when effective giving is especially crucial, Giving Done Right cuts through the noise and focuses on what you need to know to put your money to work.
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