The Heart of Giving Podcast

New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now to join these vital conversations about creating lasting change in our communities.

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:

1. 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.

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!

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

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."

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

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.

In this episode, we delve into:

1. The launch of Giving Done Right's fourth season, featuring 16 episodes with fascinating guests like Darren Walker and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson.

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.