Why People Give: Identity, Love, and the Psychology of Philanthropy with Jen Shang

In a new episode of Untapped Philanthropy, philanthropic psychologist Jen Shang joins hosts Kerrin Mitchell and Tim Sarrantonio to explore a fundamental question: what if giving is rooted in identity, rather than financial transaction?Drawing on decades of research, Jen introduces philanthropic psychology as the study of how people love, and how that understanding can reshape fundraising, grantmaking, and the broader social sector. The conversation centers on how generosity connects to meaning, relationships, and psychological well-being.Together, Kerrin, Tim, and Jen explore how foundations and nonprofits can move beyond strategy to better understand the individuals behind decisions. From authenticity in leadership to the role of identity in shaping philanthropic environments, they discuss why creating space for reflection, listening, and human connection can lead to more impactful and sustainable outcomes.They also unpack the tension between love and power in philanthropy, and what it looks like to center dignity, trust, and genuine care in the process.For more info on Jen, visit: Website: https://www.philanthropy-institute.org.uk/vision Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/jen-shang-92320967 To learn more about Fluxx, visit: fluxx.ioTim Sarrantonio has launched The Generosity Spectrum, an educational gaming company focused on helping nonprofit leaders explore generosity, identity, and motivation through hands-on learning. The work blends research, play, and systems thinking to create practice spaces where people can learn together in more human ways. To learn more about the thinking behind the company and where it’s headed, listeners can subscribe to Tim’s LinkedIn newsletter.Episodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.

In a new episode of Untapped Philanthropy, futurist Trista Harris joins hosts Kerrin Mitchell and Tim Sarrantonio to explore how the social sector can prepare for an increasingly uncertain future. Drawing on her work at Future Good, Trista reframes futurism as a practical discipline rooted in foresight, preparation, and choice. The conversation examines how nonprofits and funders can move from reacting to disruption toward shaping long-term impact. From managing volatility and misinformation to engaging thoughtfully with emerging technologies like AI, Trista shares why values, governance, and human-centered leadership are essential in moments of rapid change. Together, Kerrin, Tim, and Trista discuss the importance of scenario planning, long-term vision, and collective sensemaking, along with why hope and imagination remain strategic assets for the sector. For more from Trista Harris, visit: wearefuturegood.comContinue the conversation: Trista Harris will also be joining Fluxx for an upcoming Pulse webinar, where she’ll go deeper into how futurism, foresight, and long-term thinking can help leaders navigate uncertainty in real time.Learn more and register here: https://www.fluxx.io/pulse-webinar-jan-2026To learn more about Fluxx, visit: fluxx.io Tim Sarrantonio has launched The Generosity Spectrum, an educational gaming company focused on helping nonprofit leaders explore generosity, identity, and motivation through hands-on learning. The work blends research, play, and systems thinking to create practice spaces where people can learn together in more human ways. To learn more about the thinking behind the company and where it’s headed, listeners can subscribe to Tim’s LinkedIn newsletter. Episodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.

In this season finale of Untapped Philanthropy, hosts Kerrin Mitchell and Tim Sarrantonio reflect on the moments, shifts, and conversations that defined 2025 for the social sector. From the evolving role of AI to growing expectations around accountability, value, and agency, they explore what surprised them most and what lessons are shaping the year ahead.This candid conversation looks beyond headlines to focus on how nonprofits, funders, and communities are navigating change in practice. Together, Kerrin and Tim share where they see momentum building, why clarity matters more than ever, and what gives them hope as the sector heads into 2026.To learn more about Fluxx, visit: fluxx.ioTim Sarrantonio has launched The Generosity Spectrum, an educational gaming company focused on helping nonprofit leaders explore generosity, identity, and motivation through hands-on learning. The work blends research, play, and systems thinking to create practice spaces where people can learn together in more human ways. To learn more about the thinking behind the company and where it’s headed, listeners can subscribe to Tim’s LinkedIn newsletter.Episodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.

In this episode of Untapped Philanthropy, we sit down with Chris Aurelio, Director of Security and Compliance at Fluxx, to explore how cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of trust in the philanthropic sector. Together, we unpack the latest threat trends, the role of AI in both risk and defense, and how mission-driven organizations can protect their data—and their impact—in an increasingly digital world. This conversation reframes cybersecurity not as a technical burden, but as a fundamental act of stewardship and resilience.To learn more about Fluxx, visit: fluxx.ioTo learn more about Neon One, visit: neonone.comEpisodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.

This week on Untapped Philanthropy, Gloria Feldt, a nationally recognized expert on leadership, power, and movement building, joins us as our guest. As the co-founder and president of Take The Lead, she is championing a bold vision to achieve gender parity in leadership across all sectors. In this episode, Gloria explores what it means to lead with intention, courage, and strategy, drawing from her experiences in activism, philanthropy, and public leadership to offer insight into what’s next.To learn more about Gloria and her work, visit her official site: gloriafeldt.com To learn more about Take The Lead, visit: taketheleadwomen.com/gloria-feldt To learn more about Fluxx, visit: fluxx.io To learn more about Neon One, visit: neonone.comEpisodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.

Guest: Emily RasmussenThis week on Untapped Philanthropy, Emily Rasmussen, Founder & CEO of Grapevine, explores how giving circles are reimagining community-driven philanthropy. She discusses the emotional and practical value of collaborative giving, why connection matters more than ever, and how platforms like Grapevine are making generosity more accessible, inclusive, and impactful.To learn more about Grapevine, visit: www.grapevine.org To learn more about Fluxx, visit: www.fluxx.io To learn more about Neon One, visit: www.neonone.comEpisodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.

Guest: David BeckmanThis week on Untapped Philanthropy, David Beckman, President of the Pisces Foundation, challenges conventional thinking in environmental philanthropy. From his early legal advocacy to leading a foundation, Beckman shares how narrative, influence, and funding structures—not policy alone—shape the path to real change. He discusses the importance of local engagement, participatory grantmaking, and expanding support for frontline BIPOC-led organizations.To learn more about the Pisces Foundation, visit: www.piscesfoundation.orgTo learn more about Fluxx, visit: www.fluxx.ioTo learn more about NeonOne, visit: www.neonone.comEpisodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.

Guest: Ori CarmelIn this milestone 50th episode of Untapped Philanthropy, we welcome Ori Carmel, co-founder of Sowen, to explore the challenges and opportunities in how the social sector measures impact. Ori discusses his latest research on data-driven decision-making, the inefficiencies plaguing philanthropy, and the role of systems thinking in creating sustainable change.To learn more about Sowen, visit: www.sowen.coTo review The State of Social Impact 2025 report by Sowen, click here.To learn more about Fluxx, visit: www.fluxx.ioTo learn more about NeonOne, visit: www.neonone.comEpisodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.

Guest: Graham Macmillan What role does corporate philanthropy play in balancing the social sector? In this episode of Untapped Philanthropy, Graham Macmillan, President of Visa Foundation, explains why corporate giving is the “third leg of the stool” that provides stability and drives innovation. Graham shares insights into how the Visa Foundation blends financial resources, employee expertise, and technology to create systemic impact. Tune in to learn how businesses can move beyond charity to become true agents of social change, bridging gaps across sectors and building trust in transformative ways.To learn more about Visa Foundation, visit: www.visa.com/foundationTo learn more about Fluxx, visit: www.fluxx.ioTo learn more about NeonOne, visit: www.neonone.comEpisodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.

Guest: Trista Harris Futurist Trista Harris returns to Untapped Philanthropy to explore the future of the social sector. She discusses the rising challenges facing philanthropy, the impact of AI on nonprofit work, and why organizations must adopt long-term visioning to stay ahead. Tune in for insights on how nonprofits can prepare for what’s next and double down on their missions in uncertain times.To learn more about FutureGood, visit: https://wearefuturegood.com/To learn more about Fluxx, visit: www.fluxx.ioTo learn more about NeonOne, visit: www.neonone.comEpisodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.