Funders Episodes

Ineza Mutimura, Co-Founder and CEO of Funders of African Descent (FOAD), shares how you can overcome self-doubt, trust your vision, and build community around a purpose-driven idea that creates lasting impact, connection, and opportunities for people of African descent.

Discover how Marc Philpart, President and CEO of the Black Freedom Fund, is leading a $250 million effort to sustain racial justice advocacy, build lasting community power, and overcome philanthropy's inconsistent commitment to change.

Learn how Ilana Kaufman, President and CEO of the Jews of Color Initiative, invests in Jewish BIPOC communities through strategic philanthropy while exploring lessons on racial equity, community investment, and Yom Kippur's themes of reflection, repair, and renewa

In this 50th episode, Angelique Power explores bridge building, trust, forgiveness, and community across differences. Drawing on her experience as a Black and Jewish woman, she reflects on Rosh Hashanah, renewal, healing, and finding common ground in a divided world.

Joanna Jackson, President & CEO of the Weingart Foundation, explains why trust-based philanthropy, funder collaboration, and shared investment in racial, social, and economic justice create stronger community impact than control-driven grantmaking.

Tired of chasing support from people who never truly believed in your mission? Floyd Jones shares how to recognize your organization's value, stop seeking approval, and build partnerships with funders who already understand your impact.

Tired of hearing philanthropic organizations say they can't find diverse talent? We are too. Help is on the way. Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President & CEO of Brooklyn Org, shares how their $100,000 investment in their own paid fellowship program is helping Brooklyn Org build its own talent pipeline. Learn how to create leadership pathways, strengthen recruitment, and develop future philanthropy leaders from the communities you serve. More resources at blackphilanthropypodcast.com Social Media Fol...

Michael Romy Greer, President and CEO of ArtsFund, discusses how funders can simplify grant applications, reduce reporting burdens, provide unrestricted funding, and embrace trust-based philanthathy to better serve grantees. Artists and nonprofit leaders will learn how to confidently seek philanthropic support, communicate their value, and build sustainable funding strategies. This episode explores arts funding, grantmaking, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, philanthropy, equitable funding practices, and the future of community-centered investment.

You don't have to control capital to create change. You can advise the people who do. In this episode, Dr. Nicole Bates, Senior Advisor of Executive Strategy & Initiatives at Pivotal, shares how to impact philanthropy through trust, relationship building, and strategic connection. Learn how to center women, lead with love, and drive collaborative, high-impact transformation. More resources at blackphilanthropypodcast.com. Social Media Follow @blackphilanthropyourstories & @michelle.renee.j...

As the New Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP) celebrates its 20th anniversary, co-founder Valaida Fullwood helps you understand how to reclaim the practice of "Giving Black," however you identify. Gain insights from her work as an author and exhibit creator. Learn from her expertise in Black philanthropy and collective giving and discover why starting your own giving circle can help you amplify impact and build community. More resources at blackphilanthropypodcast.com. Social...

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 applying intellectual capital alongside philanthropic capital, from building wells to funding scholarships to championing Olympians, transforms communities worldwide. More resources at blackphilanthropypodcast.com. Follow @blackphilanthropyourstories & @michelle.renee.jackso...

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 philanthropy and one-day giving patterns into long-term community impact. She shares how she guides them on charitable instruments and nonprofit partnerships and why she recommends players don't jump into starting a foundation before they're ready. More tools at blackphilanthropypo...

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 must know to be effective philanthropists, and how an encounter with Emmitt Smith changed his life. More tools and goodies at blackphilanthropypodcast.com. Follow @blackphilanthropyourstories @michelle.renee.jackson (host) @lt_21official (guest) ***New Episodes Every Wednesday*...

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 rebuild healthier habits. This episode helps you claim work-life balance, protect your well‑being, and choose sustainability over self‑sacrifice. More resources at blackphilanthropypodcast.com. Follow @blackphilanthropyourstories & @michelle.renee.jackson (host)

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 foundations depend. In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv sits down with foundation and nonprofit board leader, Morris Price, for a masterclass on foundation and nonprofit board governance, executive director leadership, and the power d...

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 Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Keesha Gaskins-Nathan, Director of the Democratic Practice Program for the United States at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, to explore her journey from law school and community organizing to leading philanthropic strategies that strengthen democratic systems and culture. Keesha shares ...

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 Maisha Simmons, Associate Vice President of Equity and Culture at RWJF. Together, they discuss how Maisha leads efforts to operationalize equity, diversity, and inclusion across RWJF's programs and policies. Maisha reflects on her journey from grassroots community development...

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, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Rey Ramsey, President and CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, to explore his journey from fundraiser to funder, and the strategy he uses to lead the Foundation through challenging times. Rey shares how his upbringing in Phila...

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., President & CEO of Coastal Community Foundation, to explore his journey from Army officer and minister to foundation president. Darrin shares how his Charleston roots, military training, and ministerial calling shaped his approach to leadership in philanthropy. With over 30 yea...

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 President of Programs and Philanthropic Advising Services at ABFE – A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities. Edward shares his journey from a temporary role in philanthropy to becoming one of the sector's most respected voices. He opens up about surviving stage fo...

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 President of Faith, Bridging, and Belonging at the Freedom Together Foundation. Jason shares his journey from Wall Street to Harvard Divinity School, from community organizing to leading one of the most innovative philanthropic portfolios in the country. With deep insight and hu...

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 Philanthropy, and truth-teller in the sector—to explore the tension between comfort and courage in Black philanthropy. Yvonne opens up about the "golden handcuffs" that keep many professionals from taking bold action, the ancestral legacy that fuels her work, and why she believes ...