In this inspiring and deeply insightful episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Nancy Griffin, wealth advisor and founder of Women Worth & Wellness, to explore the powerful intersection of health, wealth, and self-worth. With over three decades of experience, Nancy shares how her journey in financial services led her to focus on empowering women, not just financially, but holistically. Her work brings together philanthropy, legacy planning, and personal wellbeing, reminding us that true stewardship extends far beyond financial assets.

Nancy reflects on the early days of her career, when she intentionally built a community around women seeking guidance and connection. What began as financial advising quickly evolved into something deeper, creating spaces for education, conversation, and shared experience. She emphasizes that charitable giving not only enhances financial outcomes but also strengthens self-worth, noting that “often the recipient of a gift is you, the giver.”

A central theme of the conversation is ownership, of both health and wealth. Nancy encourages individuals, especially women, to step into their agency, ask questions, and advocate for themselves. “Your health is your greatest asset,” she explains, underscoring the importance of prioritizing wellbeing alongside financial planning. This holistic approach challenges traditional models and invites listeners to consider how their physical, emotional, and financial health are deeply interconnected.

The conversation also highlights the power of community and storytelling. From hosting post-pandemic “YOLO” events where women shared their personal journeys, to fostering environments of generosity and kindness, Nancy demonstrates how connection fuels both personal growth and collective impact. Her work reminds us that small acts, whether sharing a story, offering support, or simply showing up, can create ripple effects that extend far beyond what we see.

Key Takeaways:

• True wealth includes health, self-worth, and financial wellbeing—each plays a critical role in long-term impact.
• Generosity enhances not only communities, but also the giver’s sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• Owning your health and wealth means asking questions, seeking guidance, and staying engaged in your future.
• Community, storytelling, and shared experiences create powerful pathways for connection and growth.

🔗 Connections:

• Connect with Nancy Griffin
• Connect with Rick Peck 

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In this engaging and insight-driven episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Crystal Petry, grant writer, consultant, and podcast host, to explore the often misunderstood world of grant funding and the transformative opportunities it can unlock. With over a decade of experience and millions secured for organizations, Crystal brings both practical expertise and a deep commitment to education. She challenges common misconceptions, emphasizing that grants are not limited to nonprofits and that both for-profit and nonprofit entities can access meaningful funding when aligned with the right opportunities.

Throughout the conversation, Crystal highlights the discipline and intentionality required for successful grant writing. She underscores that securing funding is not accidental, it is the result of dedicated research, strong alignment with funders, and a clear, compelling narrative. “When it comes to grant writing… you really have to be dedicated to that process,” she explains, pointing to the importance of timing, persistence, and attention to detail.

A central theme of the discussion is the importance of diversification, not only in funding sources but in strategy and mindset. Crystal encourages organizations to avoid relying on a single grant and instead build a sustainable pipeline that reflects both responsibility and credibility. Over time, this approach builds trust with funders and strengthens long-term impact. As she notes, “Being diversified with grant funding is so important… it allows you to build grant funding history,” reinforcing both stability and opportunity.

Beyond grants, Crystal shares her passion for education through her podcast, where she creates a platform for diverse voices and actionable insights. Her mission is clear: educate, empower, and elevate. Whether guiding organizations toward funding or helping listeners grow personally and professionally, her work reflects a belief that knowledge should lead to action, and ultimately, to meaningful impact in communities and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

• Grants are not limited to nonprofits, both for-profit and nonprofit organizations can access funding with the right alignment.
• Successful grant writing requires dedication, research, timing, and intentionality.
• Diversifying funding sources strengthens sustainability and builds credibility with funders.
• Education is most powerful when paired with action, learning should lead to implementation and growth.

🔗 Connections:

• Connect with Crystal Petry
• Connect with Rick Peck
• For more ideas, stories, and practical guidance to help you give smarter and raise more, subscribe to  Charitable Giving News for YouSubscribe to Charitable Giving News for You

In this timely and insightful episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Grant Berkshire, policy expert and trusted voice on Capitol Hill, to unpack the evolving relationship between Washington and the philanthropic sector. Grant offers a behind-the-scenes look at how election-year dynamics, increasing partisanship, and shifting legislative priorities are shaping the landscape for nonprofits and charitable giving. Drawing from his work on the front lines of federal policy, he highlights both the risks and opportunities facing the sector, from heightened scrutiny and regulatory pressure to the importance of advocacy, storytelling, and strategic partnership.

As Grant explains, 2026 is marked by unpredictability and a lack of clear legislative direction, with Congress becoming more reactive than proactive. Against this backdrop, philanthropy finds itself under growing scrutiny, often driven by isolated incidents that risk casting a wider shadow over the entire sector. “We just want to ensure that nothing is applied with a very broad brush that then leads to negative ramifications for a lot of organizations,” Grant notes, emphasizing the need for balanced oversight and thoughtful policy.

Throughout the conversation, a central theme emerges: the power of relationships and storytelling. In a climate where policymakers may only hear about the sector through moments of controversy, nonprofits and philanthropic leaders have a critical role to play in sharing the real impact of their work. Grant underscores that building bipartisan relationships and engaging directly with lawmakers is not just helpful, it’s essential to ensuring the sector has a seat at the table when decisions are made.

Looking ahead, Grant offers a candid perspective on what’s to come. While major legislative action may be limited in the short term, the potential for policy shifts, particularly around tax reform and charitable incentives, remains. With a new wave of lawmakers likely arriving in 2027, the opportunity to educate, influence, and cultivate champions for philanthropy will be more important than ever. This conversation serves as both a reality check and a call to action for anyone invested in the future of giving.

Key Takeaways:

• Election-year dynamics often slow legislative productivity while increasing partisanship and uncertainty.
• The nonprofit sector is facing growing scrutiny, often driven by isolated incidents rather than systemic issues.
• Relationship-building and storytelling are critical tools for influencing policy and shaping perception.
• Budget reconciliation and tax policy remain key areas of both risk and opportunity for philanthropy.
• A new, less experienced Congress in 2027 presents both challenges and opportunities for sector advocacy.

Connections:

• Connect with Grant Berkshire
• Connect with Rick Peck 
• For more ideas, stories, and practical guidance to help you give smarter and raise more, subscribe to  Charitable Giving News for YouSubscribe to Charitable Giving News for You

This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this inspiring episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Michael Kalish, contemporary artist and sculptor known for his innovative use of reclaimed materials, to explore the intersection of art, legacy, and philanthropy. With a career spanning over 30 years, Michael shares how his passion for invention and authenticity led him to develop a groundbreaking new medium, using vintage 16mm and 35mm film to create powerful, photorealistic sculptures.

At the heart of his work is a deep belief in second chances, both for materials and for the stories they carry. From honoring icons like Muhammad Ali to creating a striking new sculpture of Jack Nicklaus, Michael reflects on how meaningful art can preserve history, spark curiosity, and inspire future generations. Through his collaborations with The Giving Back Fund and philanthropic leaders, his work not only celebrates excellence but also helps raise awareness and funds for impactful causes. This conversation is a reminder that creativity, when rooted in purpose, can become a powerful force for storytelling and generosity.

As part of Michael’s ongoing commitment to honoring legacy through art and philanthropy, don’t miss your chance to be part of the 2026 Giving Fore Good, a powerful night of philanthropy, storytelling, and impact honoring Jack Nicklaus. Tickets are limited - reserve yours here

Key Takeaways:

• True innovation comes from authenticity, creating something new requires courage and a commitment to originality.
• Art can give new life to forgotten history, turning overlooked materials into meaningful stories.
• Legacy is defined not just by achievement, but by impact beyond one’s primary field.
• Collaboration and philanthropy can elevate creative work into something that serves a greater purpose.

Connections:

• Connect with Michael Kalish
• Connect with Rick Peck 
• For more ideas, stories, and practical guidance to help you give smarter and raise more, subscribe to  Charitable Giving News for YouSubscribe to Charitable Giving News for You

In this thoughtful and eye-opening episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Grant Van Der Beken to explore the realities of foster care and children’s homes in New Hampshire. As a board member of the Webster House, Grant offers a deeply informed and compassionate perspective on the challenges facing vulnerable youth, and the critical role communities play in supporting them. His insights highlight the complexity of the system while grounding the conversation in a simple but powerful truth: every child deserves more than just basic care, they deserve a place to truly call home.

Grant walks through the current landscape of foster care in New Hampshire, where a higher-than-average reliance on group homes creates both operational and philosophical challenges. With limited funding and increasing demand, organizations like Webster House are tasked with doing more than meeting basic needs, they are striving to provide stability, belonging, and opportunity.
The conversation sheds light on how placement decisions are made, the importance of thoughtful matching, and the responsibility these homes carry in shaping a child’s future.

At the heart of the discussion is a redefinition of what success looks like. Grant emphasizes that care must go beyond “food, water, shelter” to include life skills, emotional support, and meaningful experiences. From helping children attend prom to fostering passions that lead to future careers, these moments create a foundation for long-term impact. One powerful example shared is of a child who discovered a love for DJing while at Webster House, an interest that ultimately grew into a professional opportunity.

The conversation also underscores the vital role of community investment. With state funding covering only a portion of the true cost of care, nonprofit organizations rely heavily on donors and local support to fill the gap. Grant makes a compelling case that investing in children today is not only a moral imperative but a long-term benefit to the community, helping to cultivate resilient, productive individuals who can thrive in society.

Key Takeaways:

• Children’s homes play a critical role in supporting youth when family placement is not possible.
• True care extends beyond basic needs to include stability, opportunity, and belonging.
• Community investment is essential to bridge funding gaps and enhance outcomes.
• Success should be measured individually—based on what each child needs to thrive.

Connections:

• Connect with Grant Van Der Beken
• Connect with Rick Peck 
• For more ideas, stories, and practical guidance to help you give smarter and raise more, subscribe to  Charitable Giving News for YouSubscribe to Charitable Giving News for You

In this powerful and deeply human episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Lauren Masuzzo to explore the intersection of healing, philanthropy, and purpose. Lauren shares her work supporting innovative trauma treatment programs in Israel, where emerging modalities are helping soldiers and families recover from the lasting effects of conflict. Rooted in both personal conviction and professional experience, Lauren brings a perspective that blends compassion, curiosity, and a deep belief in our shared responsibility to care for one another.

Through the conversation, Lauren highlights a groundbreaking approach to trauma care, one that goes beyond traditional therapy to address the deeper, often unseen effects of trauma held in the body. With intensive, multi-disciplinary treatment models showing transformative outcomes, she describes what may become a “handbook” for how trauma is treated globally. The results are not only clinical but deeply personal, restoring individuals to their families and communities with renewed clarity, presence, and purpose.

At its core, this conversation is about more than treatment, it’s about connection. Lauren reflects on the ripple effects of trauma across families and communities, reminding us that healing is rarely individual. “We need each other more than ever… as a collective, we need community,” she shares, emphasizing that support systems are essential not only for recovery but for living a full and meaningful life.

Lauren’s philosophy of giving is grounded in a simple but powerful mindset: how can I help? From her early experiences in healthcare to her ongoing commitment to meditation, gratitude, and presence, she sees philanthropy as an extension of human connection. Supporting innovative healing work, she suggests, is not just an act of generosity, it is an investment in stronger families, healthier communities, and a more compassionate world.

Key Takeaways:

• Healing trauma requires more than conversation—it often involves addressing what is held within the body.
• Effective philanthropy can support innovative, scalable solutions that transform lives and communities.
• Trauma impacts entire families, making community-based healing essential.
• Purpose-driven giving begins with a simple question: how can I help?
  
  

Connections:

• Connect with Lauren Masuzzo
• Connect with Rick Peck
• For more ideas, stories, and practical guidance to help you give smarter and raise more, subscribe to Charitable Giving News for You

In this insightful episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with nonprofit leadership coach and consultant Sean Kosofsky to explore the realities facing nonprofit leaders today, and what it will take to build healthier, more sustainable organizations. Drawing on his experience as a five-time executive director and coach, Sean shares candid insights about burnout, leadership expectations, and the structural challenges that many nonprofit leaders face behind the scenes.

Throughout the conversation, Sean emphasizes the importance of setting nonprofit leaders up for success from the very beginning. Many passionate individuals step into leadership roles without the management training, systems, or protections commonly found in the private sector. Coaching, training, and clear expectations can make the difference between a thriving leader and one who quickly burns out. As Sean explains, “We need to set nonprofit leaders up for success from the beginning,” ensuring they have the tools and preparation necessary to navigate the complex responsibilities of the role.

Rick and Sean also explore the unique pressures faced by smaller nonprofits, where leaders often juggle fundraising, staffing, and program delivery simultaneously. Sean encourages organizations to rethink the assumption that success always means growth. Sometimes the most impactful path forward is focusing on doing a few things well rather than trying to scale too quickly. He also highlights the importance of employment contracts and leadership protections, simple yet powerful tools that can provide nonprofit leaders with stability and security in an often uncertain sector.

Finally, Sean discusses the transformative role coaching can play in developing nonprofit leaders. Coaching helps leaders identify blind spots, strengthen decision-making, and move intentionally from their current state to a stronger future state. For organizations seeking to retain talented leaders and build resilient teams, investing in leadership development may be one of the most powerful tools available.

Key Takeaways:

• Nonprofit leaders often enter their roles with passion but limited management training, making coaching and expectation-setting essential.
• Success in the nonprofit sector should be measured by impact, not just organizational growth.
• Employment contracts can provide important protections and stability for nonprofit executives.
• Coaching helps leaders identify blind spots, develop stronger skills, and sustain long-term impact.

Connections:

• Connect with Sean Kosofsky
• Connect with Rick Peck 
• For more ideas, stories, and practical guidance to help you give smarter and raise more, subscribe to  Charitable Giving News for YouSubscribe to Charitable Giving News for You

In this engaging and thoughtful episode of Money to Give, Rick sits down with Julia Healey, CEO of United Charitable, to explore how philanthropy evolves across generations and why intentional giving matters now more than ever. Julia shares how her early exposure to philanthropy through her parents, and later inspiration from athletes using their platforms for good, shaped her path into charitable leadershipFrom navigating market disruptions and economic uncertainty to helping families use donor-advised funds as tools for teaching values, Julia reframes philanthropy as both deeply personal and powerfully strategic.Throughout the conversation, she highlights how giving often increases—not decreases, during times of crisis, emphasizing that generosity is rooted in our shared humanityWhether supporting one life in a profound way or impacting thousands through broad initiatives, Julia reminds us that meaningful impact looks different for everyone. She also sheds light on fiscal sponsorship as an alternative path for social entrepreneurs who want to create change without forming their own 501(c)(3).

Key Takeaways:

• Generosity often grows during uncertainty because people are moved by need and connection.
• Impact is personal, helping one person deeply can be as meaningful as helping thousands broadly.
• Donor-advised funds are powerful tools for strategic giving and for teaching the next generation about values and stewardship.
• Philanthropy evolves over time; where we give often reflects our season of life and lived experiences.
• Legacy isn’t just about wealth transfer, it’s about passing on stories, causes, and convictions.

Connections

• Connect with Julia Healey 
• Connect with Rick Peck 

For more ideas, stories, and practical guidance to help you give smarter and raise more, subscribe to  Charitable Giving News for You Subscribe to Charitable Giving News for You

In this eye-opening episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Lynne Howard, co-founder and Executive Director of Cornerstone Charter Public School, to explore the urgent literacy crisis facing our nation, and what can be done about it. A reading specialist and Orton-Gillingham practitioner, Lynne shares why two-thirds of American students are not reading proficiently and how ineffective instructional practices and gaps in teacher training have contributed to the decline.

Lynne explains what makes charter schools unique, public, tuition-free, accountable, yet flexible enough to innovate, and how Cornerstone’s mission is to “shape a future where all children rise with the power of literacy."

Through research-based instruction grounded in the Science of Reading and the Orton-Gillingham approach, Cornerstone aims to deliver systematic, multisensory, sequential literacy instruction that aligns with how the brain actually learns to read.

Beyond curriculum, Lynne emphasizes the importance of teacher training and coaching, ensuring educators receive not only classroom instruction but hands-on mentorship to refine their craft. With plans to open in fall 2026 and grow thoughtfully from kindergarten through eighth grade, Cornerstone represents both innovation and intentionality in public education.

Key Takeaways:

• Charter schools are public, tuition-free, and accountable — with the flexibility to innovate around mission-driven education.
• Two-thirds of U.S. students are not reading proficiently, highlighting a national literacy crisis.
• The Science of Reading and Orton-Gillingham approach align instruction with how the brain actually learns.
• High-quality teacher training and ongoing coaching are essential to sustainable student success.

Connections

• Connect with Lynne Howard
• Learn more about Cornerstone Chartered Public School
• Connect with Rick Peck 
• For more ideas, stories, and practical guidance to help you give smarter and raise more, subscribe to  Charitable Giving News for YouSubscribe to Charitable Giving News for You

In this insightful episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Rod Zeeb, estate planning attorney turned multi-generational wealth strategist, to explore what it really takes to pass down more than just money. Rod shares how a tragic experience early in his career, watching a well-structured estate unravel because the heirs weren’t prepared, transformed his perspective. Today, through The Heritage Institute and The Genacy Group, Rod helps families build cultures of communication, trust, and mentoring so that wealth becomes a blessing rather than a burden.

Their conversation moves beyond tax strategies and legal structures to something deeper: family purpose. Rod explains why preparing beneficiaries is just as important as drafting the trust documents, and why philanthropy can be one of the most powerful tools for strengthening family unity across generations. Whether working with a $250,000 estate or a multi-billion-dollar family enterprise, Rod emphasizes that lasting wealth isn’t about the number of zeros, it’s about intentional stewardship and shared values.

Key Takeaways:

• Estate planning isn’t complete until heirs are prepared to responsibly receive and steward wealth.
• A clearly defined family purpose statement creates alignment and reduces generational conflict around giving and legacy.
• Philanthropy provides experiential learning opportunities that build communication, accountability, and shared identity.
• Generosity habits can (and should) start early—often with small, meaningful acts that create lasting impact.

Connections:

• Connect with Rod Zeeb
• Learn more about The Heritage Institute 
• Connect with Rick Peck 

For more ideas, stories, and practical guidance to help you give smarter and raise more, subscribe to  Charitable Giving News for YouSubscribe to Charitable Giving News for You