From Classroom to Community: Revolutionizing Philanthropic Leadership

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast Ana Federica Convit shares how she left her career in banking to continue her grandfather's pioneering medical research in Venezuela. She offers candid insights about balancing motherhood with leading groundbreaking cancer research initiatives, while carrying forward her grandfather's 100-year legacy of serving those most in need. Three noteworthy moments:   "Our mission is to provide access to modern diagnostics and innovative treatments, mainly in cancer, to benefit the most vulnerable population starting in Venezuela, which is a developing, a poor developing country."   "Dr. Convict always said that collective efforts are much more important and will go further than individual efforts... We believe in collective efforts, in bringing people together, wonderful people together for a mission, for an objective."   "I had an inner voice that told me constantly and every day it was stronger and stronger... You have to go back and you have to help him and you have to give back and you have to work for the Venezuelan people." - On her decision to return to Venezuela   Have you listened to last week's conversation with Scott Santarella of the Alpha-1 Foundation? Scott shared fascinating insights about addressing rare genetic conditions and how patient-centered leadership shapes their approach to research and support services. Don't miss either of these engaging stories about organizations making real differences in healthcare.   New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org.

Dear Friends of The Heart of Giving,   This week's conversation features Scott Santarella, CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation, revealing how a rare genetic condition affecting 100,000 Americans is being addressed through innovative research, community support, and unwavering hope.   Key moments: "If you feel like you did something good in the world or helped somebody, it makes you feel good." - Discover how 25+ years in the nonprofit sector led Scott to champion rare disease advocacy.   "We think inherently people want to help one another...Sometimes it takes charities to actually be developed to focus on particular areas." - Learn how nonprofits fill crucial gaps in healthcare that the marketplace hasn't addressed.   "75% of our board has to be patients or patient family members...If it's good for patients, we're going to figure out how to do it. If it's not good for patients, we don't do it." - Explore how patient-centered leadership drives meaningful impact.   In Case You Missed It: From Wall Street to Global Impact with Ozzy Samad Last week's conversation featured Brothers Brother Foundation President Ozzy Samad sharing: - How they distribute 200 million doses of medicine annually - Their expansion from international aid to domestic mobile health clinics - The importance of transparent valuations in building donor trust - Why meaningful change often starts in our own backyard   Support These Important Conversations The Heart of Giving brings you stories of organizations addressing critical needs in innovative ways. Your support helps us: - Share more stories of impact - Maintain quality production - Create resources for nonprofits - Build a stronger giving community   Have a Great Week!

Dear Friends of The Heart of Giving,   This week's conversation features Ozzy Samad, President of Brothers Brother Foundation, sharing how a chance meeting at a World Affairs Council event led him from investment banking to leading an organization that distributes 200 million doses of medicine annually to those in need.   Key moments: "Having the opportunity to give back in this kind of way was just absolutely unbelievable." - Hear how personal experience growing up in Pakistan shaped Ozzy's transition to humanitarian work.   "We see so much need in our own backyard" - Learn how Brothers Brother expanded from international aid to launching mobile health clinics across America, proving that meaningful change often starts at home.   "We will make sure that whatever you donate really is impactful. Not superficially, but for real." - Discover how transparent valuations and ethical practices build lasting trust.   In Case You Missed It: Arts as a Lifeline with Aidan Davis   Last week's episode featured Statement Arts co-director Aidan Davis revealing how their small NYC nonprofit is creating big impact:   - Providing arts education where 300+ schools lack any programs - Achieving 100% college acceptance rates for participants - Using the arts to build confidence, community and future opportunities - Creating pathways from elementary school through career development   Support These Important Conversations The Heart of Giving brings you stories of innovative solutions to society's pressing challenges. Your support helps us: - Share more stories of impact - Maintain quality production - Create resources for nonprofits - Build a stronger giving community   Make your tax-deductible donation today at Give.org.   Listen now on BBBGive.org or your favorite podcast platform.   #HeartOfGiving #Philanthropy #GlobalImpact #NonprofitLeadership     

Discover how a small NYC nonprofit is creating big impact through the arts! Join us as Aidan Davis, co-director of Statement Arts, reveals how their innovative programs are providing crucial arts education in a city where over 300 schools lack any arts programming.   Key moments: "Community is a tremendous portion of what I was able to gain through the performing arts... celebrating the individual exactly as they are." Experience how Statement Arts creates safe spaces for young people to discover themselves and their talents.   "We're really proud to boast about a 100% acceptance rate of our students into their colleges of choice." Learn how this small but mighty organization transforms lives through their continuum of services - from elementary school through college and beyond.   Through partnerships with Broadway professionals, Morgan Stanley executives, and dedicated volunteers, Statement Arts proves that size doesn't limit impact when passion meets purpose.   In Case You Missed It: Healthcare Heroes with Amanda Missey Don't miss our uplifting conversation with Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative CEO Amanda Missey, exploring: - How 160+ volunteers provide comprehensive healthcare to the uninsured - The inspiring story of a 95-year-old diabetes specialist still serving patients - Delivering $2,600 worth of care per patient annually - Creating a medical environment where doctors can practice medicine without insurance constraints  

Step into the remarkable world of volunteer-powered healthcare with Amanda Missey, CEO of Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative (BVMI). Discover how this innovative organization provides comprehensive medical care to the uninsured through an extraordinary network of 160+ volunteers, including a 95-year-old diabetes specialist who still serves patients via telehealth!   Key highlights: "Powered by volunteers - that's how we're able to achieve what we achieve on a relatively modest budget. We're saving the system thousands, maybe millions of dollars." Learn how BVMI delivers $2,600 worth of comprehensive healthcare per patient annually.   "They can be the kind of doctor they imagined they would be when they went to medical school." Hear how BVMI creates a unique environment where medical professionals can practice medicine without insurance constraints while making a profound impact on their community.   "Bergen County is a really expensive place to live. If they have to make the choice between putting food on their table, paying rent, buying school supplies for their children, and going to the doctor, they very often put their healthcare at the very bottom of the list." Understand the critical gaps BVMI fills in our healthcare system.   Don't Miss: Building Hope in Mississippi with John Damon Our previous episode features Canopy Children's Solutions CEO John Damon sharing: - How personal tragedy shaped his mission to help 8,000 children annually - The innovative approaches to delivering mental health care across 82 Mississippi counties - Why trust and vulnerability are essential to creating lasting impact - The power of combining high-tech solutions with high-touch care   Listen now on Give.org or your favorite podcast platform.   #HeartOfGiving #HealthcareAccess #CommunityImpact #MentalHealth  

Step into the world of transformative mental health care with John Damon, CEO of Canopy Children's Solutions, Mississippi's largest nonprofit provider of children's behavioral health services. From personal tragedy to purpose, Damon shares how one meaningful relationship changed his life's trajectory and now drives his mission to help over 8,000 children annually across Mississippi.   Key moments: "Hope is not a wish that the future can be brighter than your past – you have the power to make it so." Damon reveals how his organization uses hope as a science to transform lives.   "We're not just running programs – people don't come to us for a program, they come to us for a solution." Learn how Canopy's innovative approach spans behavioral health, education, and family support across all 82 Mississippi counties.   "Leaders have to go first and be vulnerable." Discover how Damon builds trust from the inside out to create lasting impact in communities.   🎧 **Also Available: A Giving Tuesday Special with Asha Curran** Don't miss our conversation with Giving Tuesday CEO Asha Curran, exploring: - How $3.1B in global donations are tracked and measured - Why declining charitable participation doesn't mean declining generosity - The power of connecting giving to civic engagement - Building year-round community impact across 105 countries   Listen now on BBBGive.org or your favorite podcast platform.   #HeartOfGiving #MentalHealth #ChildrensMentalHealth   

It's #GivingTuesday so naturally, our latest episode is with Giving Tuesday CEO Asha Curran, who takes us behind the scenes of a movement that's revolutionizing global generosity. With real-time tracking of $3.1B in donations across 105 countries, Asha reveals how data is reshaping philanthropy's future. She challenges traditional giving narratives, showing how everyday acts of generosity create lasting community transformation. Through rich storytelling and compelling insights, she illustrates how Giving Tuesday has evolved from a single day of giving into a year-round force for positive change.   In our previous conversation, Sean Carroll shares his remarkable journey leading Anera's $100M humanitarian mission across the Middle East. Drawing from 25 years of experience and personal insights from living in East Jerusalem, Carroll offers a powerful perspective on transforming communities through innovative aid. His leadership spans from delivering critical medical relief to pioneering tech training programs that create sustainable economic opportunities. Carroll's intimate knowledge of the region and dedication to building lasting change shines through in this compelling discussion.   These conversations will transform how you think about global impact and the power of giving. Listen now on BBBGive.org or your favorite podcast platform.   #HeartOfGiving #GivingTuesday #GlobalImpact #Philanthropy      

This week's show is my eye-opening conversation with Anera CEO Sean Carroll, who takes us inside the immense challenges of delivering aid in Gaza. Sean shares the stark reality of what's happening on the ground:   • How Anera's team has managed to deliver 41 million meals and 8 million medical treatments despite tremendous obstacles • Why only 20% of needed aid is getting through, and what that means for families • The daily risks faced by humanitarian workers • How everyday people can make a real difference, whether through $5 monthly donations or spreading awareness   Sean's perspective is both heartbreaking and hopeful: "People want to respond. People want to bring out the best in themselves and in their community in terms of supporting humanity."   Did You Catch Last Week's Episode?   YMCA USA CEO Suzanne McCormick shared how the Y is tackling one of America's biggest challenges: social isolation. Learn how they're: • Building bridges across communities through the innovative "Team Up Project" • Creating spaces where everyone belongs • Serving 13 million members while staying true to their 175-year legacy   🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts or watch the full conversation on BBB Wise Giving Alliance's YouTube channel. 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."     

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        

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.