The Heart of Giving Podcast

Breaking Social Isolation: The Y-USA’s Role in Modern America

This week, we explore how the Y-USA is adapting to serve America while staying true to its 175-year legacy. CEO Suzanne McCormick shares insights on:
 
• How YMCAs serve as community hubs, engaging 13 million members nationwide (5 million under age 18)
• The innovative "Team Up Project" partnering with Interfaith America, Catholic Charities USA, and Habitat for Humanity to bridge societal divides
• YMCA's response to the "epidemic of social isolation" through intentional programming and community spaces
 
Memorable insights:
"The Y is a partner to parents. Parents know their children are in a safe place that allows them to balance work and school schedules."
 
"We represent the diversity of real America within our movement... we have people who think differently but come together to work on a common mission."
 
ICYMI: Check out last week's episode with Network for Good CEO Abby Ross
 
Key takeaways:
• Network for Good has facilitated $5 billion in donations to half a million charities
• The organization is launching the Giving Platform Collaborative to reduce friction in online giving
• They're leveraging AI to improve fund delivery and accessibility
• New initiatives focus on supporting Black-led nonprofits and grassroots organizations
 
Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on BBB Wise Giving Alliance's YouTube channel.
 
#HeartOfGiving #Nonprofits #CommunityImpact #YMCA #NetworkForGood
 
 
 
 

Making Generosity Frictionless: A Conversation with Network for Good's CEO

This week, I spoke with Abby Ross, CEO of Network for Good, for an enlightening discussion about the future of digital giving. Her entrepreneurial background brings a fresh perspective to how technology can unleash generosity:
 
"We think of ourselves as the engine for meaningful giving across the world's most influential platforms" - Abby explains how Network for Good is helping major brands like Walmart, YouTube, and Patagonia create accessible giving moments for everyday donors.
 
A highlight of our conversation was learning about the new Giving Platform Collaborative, bringing together major players like PayPal and Facebook to reduce friction in charitable giving. As Abby notes, "It feels like the least we can do is make it easier for them." This collaborative spirit is already showing results, with initiatives like their Black Philanthropy Month program.
 
On meeting modern donor expectations: "Consumer technology has evolved... donors expect a certain level of e-Commerce ease." Abby shares practical insights for nonprofits adapting to these changing expectations.
 
Her enthusiasm is contagious when she reflects, "I often tell people I have the best job in the world... we've done $5 billion to half a million charities." This impact showcases how technology can democratize giving.
 
AND DON'T MISS: Last week's conversation with William Warshauer of TechnoServe, where we explored how business solutions are transforming lives in developing nations. Through their work, every $1 invested generates $5.60 in additional income for participants, creating lasting change in communities worldwide.
 
New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or watch on BBB Wise Giving Alliance's YouTube channel.
 

Sustainable Programs Addressing Poverty

This week, I sat down with William Warshauer, CEO of TechnoServe, who shared remarkable stories of sustainable poverty alleviation through business solutions. Some powerful insights from our conversation:
 
"Intelligence and industriousness is distributed equally around the globe, but opportunity is not." William shared how TechnoServe turns this reality into action, helping create $5.60 in additional income for every $1 invested in their programs.
 
The impact is tangible - from Lubaba in Ethiopia, who transformed her coffee farm and sent both children to university (where only 1% of the population holds degrees), to Eugenie in Rwanda, who turned 100 chickens into a thriving business employing 22 people. Last year alone, TechnoServe's work generated over $400 million in additional income for participants across 35 countries.
 
Key Quote: "If you are doing development work... you want to try to take a long view because your impact is going to be multiplied if you can do it in a way that the people themselves pick up and carry forward."
 
AND DON'T MISS: 
New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now to join these vital conversations about creating lasting change in our communities.

Jane Wales and Kenneth Hodder on American Generosity

What happens when charitable giving declines in America? The Generosity Commission set out to answer this critical question, and I sat down with two key leaders to discuss their findings.
Jane Wales, Co-Chair of the Commission and VP at the Aspen Institute, explains why this matters: 'Civil society is a singular asset of American democracy... powered by everyday givers, everyday volunteers.' She shares how declining participation threatens not just charitable organizations, but the very fabric of our democratic society.
Salvation Army National Commander Kenneth Hodder brings this down to earth with a powerful perspective on individual impact: 'If they will commit themselves to saying, I want to feed one person... I'll tell you the ramifications, like a stone falling into a pool, will resonate throughout their lives.' His insights on how small acts of generosity create lasting change are not to be missed.
AND IF YOU HAVEN'T LISTENED YET: My conversation with MADD CEO Stacey Stewart reveals crucial developments in the fight against impaired driving. Three key takeaways:
Despite MADD's success in reducing drunk driving fatalities by 50% since the 1980s, we face new challenges with a 33% increase in impaired driving deaths between 2019-2022, highlighting the need for renewed focus on education and prevention.
The profile of impaired drivers has evolved - two-thirds of fatal crashes involve drivers at nearly twice the legal limit (0.15+ BAC), indicating a deeper substance abuse crisis requiring new approaches and partnerships.
Game-changing technology is on the horizon: New federal legislation mandates anti-drunk driving sensors in all new vehicles, with the potential to save 10,000 lives annually - representing a major shift in how we prevent impaired driving.
These conversations reveal how organizations are adapting to meet today's challenges while staying true to their founding missions. Subscribe now for new episodes every Tuesday!

MADD: Working to Eliminate Impaired Driving

This week on The Heart of Giving Podcast, I had an illuminating conversation with Stacey Stewart, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). She shared powerful insights about MADD's impact and evolving mission.
 
Key Themes from Stacey's Interview:
 
- Despite a 50% decline in impaired driving fatalities since MADD's founding, recent years have seen a concerning 33% increase during 2019-2022
- Two-thirds of impaired driving fatalities involve drivers with blood alcohol levels nearly twice the legal limit (0.15 or higher)
- Game-changing technology is on the horizon: new legislation mandates anti-drunk driving sensors in all new vehicles, potentially saving 10,000 lives annually
 
Notable Quotes:
''The world needs a lot of good... I've enjoyed the idea of being able to do good in lots of different ways.''
 
''We have to do what is in the best interest of public safety.''
 
''If we have a solution that we know exists that can save 10,000 lives a year... the question is why would we not do that?''
 

Ruth Holton-Hodson Solar Cookers, The Means to Prepare a Meal.

I'm excited to share this week's just-released episode with you. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ruth Holton-Hodson, board member of Solar Cookers International. Our conversation reveals how this innovative organization is addressing hunger, improving health, and protecting the environment in vulnerable communities worldwide.
 
Ruth shared some powerful insights that really stuck with me. On the impact of traditional cooking methods, she noted:
 
"One family of four uses one ton of wood a year to fuel their fire. So where's that wood coming from? It's coming from the forests and the woods near the villages, which slowly get cut down, which creates tremendous deforestation."
 
I was fascinated to learn about their strategic approach:
 
"We've moved in a policy direction where we actually serve as the hub, if you like, of this worldwide solar cooking movement. And so we divide our work into three pieces: advocacy, research, and capacity building."
 
Ruth also offered a beautiful reflection on the importance of service in retirement:
 
"I think for me, service is an essential component about what I need to do. It's not just about filling the time... you get so much more back."
 
I found our conversation both enlightening and inspiring. Join me to learn about sustainable solutions to global challenges and finding fulfillment through service!
 

Poetry and Literary Activism - Ricardo Maldonado

This week, we feature Ricardo Maldonado, president of the Academy of American Poets. Ricardo shares his inspiring journey from Puerto Rico to leading American poetry, discussing:
How poetry can drive social change and cultural preservation
The power of mentorship in the literary world
Poetry's role in embracing our increasingly diverse culture
Ricardo's passion for using words to create understanding and connection is truly inspiring.
And don't miss last week's episode with Bill Roscoe of the Boise Rescue Mission. Bill offers illuminating insights on homelessness in unexpected places and innovative approaches to helping those in need. Some standout quotes:
"Just pouring money into programs has not caused the number of homeless people to decline."
"The larger, largest number of homeless people in some communities - that's 80% of the homeless population - are chemically dependent or alcoholic, and or suffering with an untreated mental illness."
"We've had as many as 55 people in our shelter beds who are over 65 years old, and the majority of them were over 70 years old."

Meeting Needs of Boise's Homeless and Addicted

In our latest episode, we feature Bill Roscoe from the Boise Rescue Mission. In this revealing conversation, we delve into the often-overlooked challenges of homelessness in Boise, Idaho, and explore the inventive strategies the Boise Rescue Mission is employing to tackle this complex issue.
 
Noteworthy points from our discussion with Bill Roscoe include:
- The evolving landscape of homelessness in Boise, including a surge in elderly individuals facing housing instability
- The mission's emphasis on recovery programs for those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues
- Inspiring stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through the mission's programs
- Ways you can contribute and support their crucial work

Building Health Focused Communities for Veterans

In this powerful episode, we explore how Team RWB is making a significant impact on veterans' lives through physical fitness and community connection. Mike shares insights into:
The challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life
How Team RWB's innovative approach is helping veterans find purpose and improve their health
Personal stories of transformation, including a moving testimonial from veteran Ira Brown
The importance of family involvement in supporting veterans' wellness journeys
As someone who cares deeply about service and community, I found our conversation both inspiring and enlightening. I believe you'll come away with a renewed appreciation for the power of giving and the transformative effects of physical activity and social connection.
Whether you're a veteran, a supporter, or simply interested in the impact of community service, this episode offers valuable perspectives on making a difference in the lives of those who've served our country.
You can listen to the episode now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the video on YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe to The Heart of Giving podcast to stay updated on future episodes.
As always, if you'd like to support our show, please consider making a contribution at give.org. Your support helps us continue to bring these important stories to light.

A New Season of Giving Done Right

In this episode, we delve into:
The launch of Giving Done Right's fourth season, featuring 16 episodes with fascinating guests like Darren Walker and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson.
Emerging trends in philanthropy, including direct cash transfers and the importance of listening to communities.
The critical issue of burnout in the nonprofit sector and potential solutions.
The ongoing challenges and progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
The role of the nonprofit sector in fostering meaningful debates and bridging ideological divides.
Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette offer valuable insights on effective giving, the state of nonprofits, and the future of philanthropy. Their perspective is both inspiring and thought-provoking.