Funders Episodes

Local news is declining, threatening community awareness and accountability. Dale Anglin shares how philanthropic funding is rebuilding local journalism—and why your support is essential to sustaining trusted information and a healthy democracy.

Dr. Elizabeth Alexander discusses inclusive philanthropy, artist support, ancestral legacy, and leadership as president of the Mellon Foundation, offering insight into how arts funding, creativity, and institutional funding shape culture and public memory.

Any venture capitalist worth-a-damn understands that intellectual investments must accompany financial investments. Nic Brathwaite , co-managing partner of Celesta Capital and co-founder of The PETNA Foundation, shows you how...

We often assume if an NBA player isn't giving publicly, he isn't giving at all. False. As Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation, Erika Swilley advises NBA players on their philanthropy, turning their fines into philanthro...

LaDainian "LT" Tomlinson , NFL Hall of Famer and Founder of Tomlinson's Touching Lives Foundation, explains why he gives and how you can help pro athletes level up their giving. LT breaks down trust gaps, what NIL athletes mu...

On the eve of his last day with the Hewlett Foundation , Marcus McGrew shows you how to stop running yourself into the ground in philanthropy . Through his story, you learn to spot burnout, interrupt perfectionism, and rebuil...

When foundation and nonprofit board members stay an average of 3 to 5+ years longer than paid staff, their influence becomes decisive, undeniable, and lasting. They are the structural pillars on which nonprofits and foundatio...

How do we build a vital and inclusive democracy in a time of polarization, uncertainty, and systemic inequities? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Storie s, host Michelle Renee Jackson , MDiv, sits down with Keesha G...

How does one help to embed equity into the DNA of a major philanthropic institution like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories , host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, speaks with ...

How do leaders in philanthropy navigate challenges to their mission, purpose, and legacy in a time of political uncertainty and social change? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories , a Simuel + Murray podcast, ho...

What can philanthropy learn from military leadership, ancestral resilience, and faith-driven service? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Darrin Goss Sr., Pres...

What does it mean to lead with courage, stay mission-driven, and institutionalize love in philanthropy? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Edward Jones, Vice ...

What does it mean to lead with faith, bridge divides, and build belonging in philanthropy? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Jason Garrett, Senior Vice Presi...

What does it mean to be called to philanthropy "for such a time as this"? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Yvonne Moore—strategist, founder of Moore Philant...

What does it mean to lead a foundation while honoring your calling, your family, your hair, and your roots? In this episode of "Black Philanthropy: Our Stories," host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Jason Terrell...

Think your messy past disqualifies you from a career in philanthropy? Think again. Your past isn't a liability. It's an asset. Brianna Rogers , at the San Francisco Foundation , once in foster care and formerly incarcerated, ...

You may feel shut out of philanthropy, told you need elite credentials, polished language, or "the right pedigree." C'Ardiss "CC" Gardner-Gleser , Founder of Black Ivy Collective, shows you how to break past gatekeeping, reje...