The Heart of Giving Podcast

How can AI actually increase donor trust rather than erode it? In this conversation, Bennett Weiner (President & CEO, BBB Wise Giving Alliance) speaks with Jeremy Kirshbaum (Founder, Handshake) and Ezra Vázquez-D’Amico (Director of Digital Partnerships & Strategy, BBB Wise Giving Alliance) about AskGive—Give.org’s AI Powered Donor Advisor that helps people make wise, trust-centered giving decisions using Give.org’s vetted resources. To draw out broader lessons on AI for the charitable sector, we cover why AskGive was built, how brand-safe AI is different from a generic chatbot, and what’s next (structured charity data for cause-based discovery) while keeping donors—not algorithms in the decision seat. Key takeaways - Trust by design: AskGive only draws from Give.org’s vetted content (charity reports, standards, advice), aligning AI answers with BBB Charity Standards and avoiding unverified sources. - Brand-safe AI is not the same as a generic chatbot: Tone, accuracy, and “no ranking charities” guardrails were co-designed with staff (from subject experts to frontline donor support) to reflect Give.org’s culture. - Help donors act, don’t decide for them: The tool surfaces facts, standards results, and advice—then puts the final choice back in the donor’s hands. - Cause-based discovery for new donors: Younger/values-driven givers can start with “I want to support animal welfare” and move into credible options without already knowing a charity’s name. - The Path From 70% to 100%: Spinning up a chatbot is easy; getting to on-brand, brand-safe, reliable, repeatable guidance takes custom work, evaluation checklists, and ongoing monitoring. - What’s next for AskGive: Structured data queries (e.g., “Show me five BBB Accredited environmental charities in my state”) to give donors more relevant, self-directed ways to explore. Why this matters for nonprofit professionals and people who care about social good - Practical AI path: Start small with mission-critical content, define tone/guardrails, and set evaluation criteria early. - Trust signals win: Transparent sourcing and standards-aligned answers reduce friction for donors and strengthen credibility. - Human-centered by default: Keep people in the loop—let AI inform, not decide. Try AskGive: https://give.org/askgive

We're excited to share our latest episode, "Passing the Torch: A Conversation with Art Taylor and Bennett Weiner," which marks a special transition in leadership at the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. In this unique episode, roles are reversed as our new president and CEO Bennett Weiner interviews the organization's former leader and podcast founder, Art Taylor.

Mindset Matters Part 2: Dan Porterfield - Growth in Action: Markera Jones and the Transformative Power of Educational Opportunity This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast - in Part 2: We continue our conversation with Dan Porterfield and Robert Diggs, then hear directly from Markera Jones, whose remarkable journey from a segregated school environment to academic excellence at Franklin & Marshall College demonstrates how institutional commitment to talent can change lives. Four powerful insights: "Each educational environment needs to tend to what kind of student with what kind of values might end up there. Our research found that there was a triangle of values students would be attracted to - they wouldn't be a number but a person, they valued being in community, and they wanted academic seriousness." - Dan Porterfield "I went on a visit with my Upward Bound counselor... When we went on the visit, I remember just feeling a sense of welcome on the campus. It seemed like spaces that were well funded and well resourced for me to really learn things in a way that I didn't get in high school." - Markera Jones "F&M's financial aid package was the best one that I got. That grant, which came from donors who want to fund talent, really helped me to see these people believe in me, they value me, they want to invest in me in that kind of way." - Markera "At F&M, I got to have my first research experience where not only did I work in a psychology lab, it felt very special because this is the stuff that I was seeing on TV. It felt like I was doing this really important work in research, giving back to creating knowledge." - Markera on how F&M prepared her for her career path Check out part 1 published last week, where we began our conversation with Dan Porterfield and Robert Diggs about the transformative power of growth mindset in higher education. Dan shared how Franklin & Marshall redefined talent identification beyond traditional metrics to focus on curiosity, resilience, and saying yes to opportunity. Robert Diggs revealed how the "third spaces" outside the classroom shaped his development as a student and leader. They discussed how this approach to education not only benefits individual students but creates a vibrant ecosystem where everyone can thrive. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #HigherEducation #GrowthMindset #Philanthropy

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast, Ben Erwin, CEO of Charity Buzz, reveals how his organization has transformed fundraising by creating a marketplace for unique experiences that benefits nonprofits of all sizes. Three compelling moments: "Our mission at Charity Buzz is to deliver the most unique and exciting inventory opportunities on the Internet for good... a curated marketplace for people to live out their wildest dreams while also getting a chance to support terrific charitable organizations." "We found out in a really exciting way that the chance to spend time with a CEO, with a fund manager, with a titan of industry actually has the potential to raise more money than a celebrity experience. The beauty is most charities have relationships with business leaders." "Giving as a percentage of GDP has not changed in the last 50 to 60 years in this country... Yet the number of charities during that time has increased by 40x. So I don't know how we expect charities to maintain their programs, scale their impact if the relative size of the pie has not changed." Last week, Christa Stelzmuller of Charity Water shared how innovative technology is transforming both global water access and donor engagement. From VR experiences that simulate water walks to hologram boxes that connect donors with communities, her team is using cutting-edge tech to build empathy and support for the 700 million people worldwide who lack basic access to clean water. Don't miss this fascinating look at how technology can create emotional connections across continents. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #CharityBuzz #Fundraising #SocialImpact

This Week on The Heart of Giving Podcast, Kate Schecter shares World Neighbors' remarkable 73-year journey helping rural communities across 14 countries achieve lasting self-sufficiency. Three standout moments: "Our founder understood in 1951 how important it is not to give things to people, but to help them to help themselves. He understood the importance of the dignity of every human being, even the poorest of the poor." "We help the communities to form small groups... and they each pitch in a little bit of money either every week or every month and they save their money together and then they loan to each other at very low interest. They're skipping around the whole banking system." "I've been up in the mountains in East Timor, where it's all rocks, and you can't imagine how these people survive... and they say to me, 'Yeah, this year we saved $36,000.' And I'm like, 'My gosh, $36,000!'" Last week, Mark Falzone of Scenic America discussed how his organization works to preserve America's visual character - from reducing billboard clutter to promoting context-sensitive development. His insights on making communities more beautiful and livable reveal how thoughtful design impacts our wellbeing and quality of life. If you missed it, tune in to hear about their bipartisan approach to creating spaces where everyone can "live, work and play in a beautiful place." New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #GlobalDevelopment #Sustainability #SelfHelp

🎙️ This Week on The Heart of Giving:Teresa Tyson shares the remarkable story of The Health Wagon, America's oldest mobile free clinic serving Central Appalachia. Three powerful moments: "We were founded by Sister Bernie Kenny... She actually started the clinic first of all in the back of a Volkswagen Beetle, just going up and down these mountain roads. That was over 40 some years ago." "Virginia is an incredibly wealthy state... but there's no other state in the nation that has such extremes in healthcare or disparities between the have and have nots in the state of Virginia." "You can't do this work and really not be changed... My dad was a coal miner... I remember when I was a little girl he would tie a belt around his leg so that he did not feel that pain... I just do it from that aspect of helping another." Last week, Rick Lofgren of COTA shared how his organization helps families manage the overwhelming costs of organ transplants - from $2 million surgeries to lifetime medication expenses. His discussion revealed how community support can make life-saving care possible for families in crisis. If you missed it, it's a must-listen conversation about making healthcare accessible to those who need it most. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #Healthcare #RuralHealth #Nonprofits

This Week on The Heart of Giving: Join Art Taylor in conversation with Lindsay Torrico, Senior VP of Bank Community Engagement at the American Bankers Association and Executive Director of the ABA Foundation. Lindsay shares her vision for transforming how banks engage with communities and drive economic mobility. Three standout moments: "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu" - Lindsay on why nonprofits must engage in policy discussions to create large-scale impact. "When our communities are strong, our banks are strong... it's reframing how we think about this work that's not just about giving to a few, but how are we investing in our communities in a way that we all can be effective businesses as well." "We want to make sure that they're sustainable in home ownership... it's going to take a multifaceted approach" - On addressing the housing crisis through innovative solutions and partnerships. Did you catch last week's inspiring conversation with Ana Federica Convit? She shared her remarkable journey from banking to leading cancer research initiatives in Venezuela, continuing her grandfather's century-long legacy of providing accessible healthcare to vulnerable populations. If you haven't listened yet, it's a must-hear story of purpose and impact. 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!

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 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

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, 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.

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: 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. The profile of impaired drivers has evolved - two-thirds of fatal crashes involve drivers at nearly twice the legal limit (0.15+ BAC), indicating a deeper substance abuse crisis requiring new approaches and partnerships. Game-changing technology is on the horizon: New federal legislation mandates anti-drunk driving sensors in all new vehicles, with the potential to save 10,000 lives annually - representing a major shift in how we prevent impaired driving. 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!