Philanthropy has the power to drive systemic change, but what does it take to move beyond traditional grantmaking? The Catalytic Philanthropy Podcast features funders who are challenging the status quo—leading with trust, taking strategic risks, and building deep community relationships.
If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your leadership and expand your impact, our Intro to Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy program is the perfect next step. Keep reading and listening to explore these inspiring stories and learn how you can apply these approaches in your own work.
Next-Gen Philanthropy in Action
In this podcast episode, Kimberly Quintero of the Pincus Family Foundation shares how the next generation—ages 12 to 50—is shaping the foundation’s mission. Through mentorship, education, and hands-on involvement, younger members are driving initiatives in environmental advocacy, social justice, and the arts. Their engagement ensures the foundation’s impact continues across generations.
Why Focus Drives Impact
Caroline Wertz of the Scheidel Foundation explains how narrowing their focus led to deeper impact. By working with fewer grantees, the foundation strengthened relationships, gained a better understanding of challenges, and identified key gaps—particularly in college readiness. This strategic approach made their work more effective, proving that a sharper focus can drive systemic change.
Reckoning With the Past
Dan Ely of the 1772 Foundation discusses how the board confronted its historical ties to slavery. After discovering in 2019 that its wealth was partly built on the labor of enslaved people, the foundation took action—issuing a public apology, shifting its grantmaking to racial and social justice, and funding African American cultural preservation and education. The board also prioritized transferring decision-making power to local leaders, ensuring its response led to meaningful, lasting change.
Supporting Advocacy the Right Way
John Amoroso of the Lovell Foundation breaks down how private foundations can legally support nonprofit advocacy. Many funders hesitate due to IRS concerns, but Amoroso explains safe ways to engage—such as funding public education, research, and policy efforts. He shares real examples, including mental health education legislation in Arizona and childcare subsidy protections for single mothers. The episode also covers how to educate boards on advocacy rules and why long-term commitment leads to lasting change.
Bridging Economic Gaps
Richelle Todd-Yamoah of the Pascale Sykes Foundation shares how strategic partnerships and bold investments helped boost economic stability in rural South Jersey. By working with a CDFI and the African American Chamber of Commerce, the foundation provided low-interest loans to small businesses, including minority- and women-owned enterprises. Their initial $10 million investment grew to more than $57 million, creating jobs and spurring local growth. Todd-Yamoah highlights how even small foundations can drive big change by taking risks and forging strong partnerships.
Funding Innovation, Seeding Change
Brett Howell and Kirsten Midura of the Howell Conservation Fund discuss how “venture philanthropy” fuels innovation. By providing seed funding to early-stage projects, they help nonprofits and entrepreneurs test and scale impactful ideas. They highlight a lead tackle buyback program in New Hampshire that started with a small grant and grew with additional investment—showcasing how catalytic funding supports solutions that may not yet attract major funders. Howell and Midura emphasize the value of taking risks, collaborating closely with grantees, and investing in bold initiatives that drive real change.
The Power of Deep Relationships
Danielle Reyes, president and CEO of the Crimsonbridge Foundation, shares how her team goes beyond traditional grantmaking to drive systemic change. Rather than just providing funds, they leverage their expertise, connections, and advocacy to strengthen their mission. By engaging deeply with communities, building partnerships, and tackling systemic barriers, they demonstrate how philanthropy can be a powerful force for lasting impact.
Why Trust Matters
Phil Li, president of the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, explains how trust-based philanthropy can transform grantmaking. Reflecting on his shift from finance to nonprofit leadership, he discusses how unrestricted funding and genuine partnerships empower grantees to drive change. Li offers practical steps—such as streamlining applications and accepting existing reports—to help funders align their values with their actions and foster greater impact.
Keep the Momentum Going: Learn, Connect, and Lead
The stories shared on the Catalytic Philanthropy Podcast remind us that leadership in philanthropy goes beyond writing checks—it requires vision, courage, and a commitment to learning. These episodes highlight the many ways funders are embracing bold strategies to create lasting change.
If you’re ready to take your philanthropy to the next level, consider joining our Intro to Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy program. This 10-week, cohort-based course includes six virtual sessions designed to help lean funders develop leadership skills, build confidence, and engage deeply with communities.
The program runs March 26 – June 4, 2025, with virtual sessions from 2:00–4:00 PM ET. Learn more and apply today.
The Foundation Guidebook
Looking for practical guidance to strengthen your foundation? The refreshed Foundation Guidebook offers step-by-step insights, templates, and best practices to help you navigate leadership, grantmaking, and operations with confidence. Get it here!
About the Author
Hannah Smith is the manager of editorial and publications at Exponent Philanthropy, where she oversees blogs, publications, and communication strategy.