Uncommon Philanthropist

In this episode, Rena sits down with Morgan DeNicola, a fresh voice in philanthropy.  Morgan leads The DeNicola Family Foundation a private, charitable foundation rooted in advancing World Health, Cultural Diplomacy, Humanitarian Recognition and Conservation. An extension of  Cosmo DeNicola Companies (CDC) – a privately held company with a diverse portfolio of businesses ranging from technology, publishing, professional sports and entertainment. Its mission is to continue the work of the family business, Cosmo DeNicola Companies and its legacy of doing good. The organization’s founding principle is caring is an action, not just an emotion. Let go!Https://denicolafamilyfoundation.orgHttps://uncommonphilanthropist.com

In this fabulous conversation, Rena sits down with Dawn Pinnock, President and CEO of the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS), one of New York’s most effective social service organizations. The organizations mission is “Helping New Yorkers rise from poverty, exit homelessness and be healthy.” With nearly three decades of experience in public service and nonprofit leadership, Dawn has transformed how communities think about housing, mental health, workforce development, and integrated care.  CUCS currently cares, uplifts, connects and serves 50,000 individual in New York and nationally.  Let go!To learn more:https://cucs.orghttps://uncommonphilanthropist.com#NYSolutions #NYHousing #HomelessSolutions #IntegratedCare

It was not the illness that defined Erik's daughter, Jessie, but her ebullient spirit, her heart to serve others and the encouragement she delivered to other children battling cancer to "Never Ever Give Up" (NEGU.)Jessie's spirit lives on through the foundation her family founded to encourage children battling cancer. Jessie's dad, Erik, is here to share more about his daughter and family, Jessie’s JoyJars, and other initiatives led by the Jessie Rees Foundation.To learn more:⁠⁠https://negu.org⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uncommonphilanthropist.com⁠⁠#hope #JoyJars #pediatric cancer #foundation #NEGU #neverevergiveup #philanthropy #uncommonphilanthropist

Horses have power, intuition and gentleness within to be magical therapists. Hippotherapy can be used in a number of therapies--helping disabled children learn to walk and healing emotional wounds of veterans and other trauma survivors. Shining Hope Farms, a non-profit, is a three-farm facility in North Carolina that started small with tremendous results and is now delivering big impact for residents in that area.  Patrice Gibson, Executive Director of Shining Hope Farms, is here to share more. Our conversation includes details of a unique donation the organization received from a family to honor their loved one, who too loved horses:  the Ellie T. Tractor.  To learn more:  https://shininghopefarms.orghttps://uncommonphilanthropist.com

Dr. Deborah Heiser joins Rena for an inspiring word about aging (newsflash, it does have a few advantages) and how mentoring is a form of philanthropy.  Dr. Heiser is an Applied Developmental Psychologist and shares her brilliant insight on mentoring, generativity and how we can make the most of our later years. Let go!For more information:https://mentorproject.orgHttps://uncommonphilanthropist.com

Walking with a loved one through dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease can be a long and often lonely experience. It can also be offset by moments of love and joy. Family members who’ve traveled this path of caring for a loved one with dementia often learn valuable lessons along the way. Many are inspired to write and publish books to help process what they are going through and to provide a roadmap for others. The ALZ Authors organization is here to support those writers and to bridge the gap so that these books find their way to those who need it most. Marianne Sciucco, a nurse, author and one of the co-founders of ALZ Authors, is here to share more about when words fail they can also inspire.To learn more:  ALZauthors.comuncommonphilanthropist.com#dementia #alzheimers #homecare #servantleadership #caringforalovedone

In this episode of Uncommon Philanthropist, you'll learn more about the power of hope and help as shared by Ethan Forhetz, Vice President of Public Engagement/ National Spokesperson for Convoy of Hope. Convoy of Hope is a tremendous organization working to make a differenc ein the lives of children around the world. As UPs, let's connect, engage and support this faith-based organization with a passion to feed the world. Let go!P.S. Since this episode was recorded, Convoy of Hope is now on the ground in Jamaica serving our brothers and sisters with disaster recovery support services following Hurricane Melissa. Please remember the people of Jamaica in your prayers and give generously if you are able: https://convoyofhope.To learn more:https://convoyofhope.orghttps://uncommonphilanthropist.comPlease accept our apologies and excuse the less than stellar audio in this episode as we experienced an audio feedback issue on Rena's mic that went undetected until the recording was over. This conversation was too good, however, not to share, thanks to the professionalism and talent of our guest, Ethan Forhetz, a former news anchor with over 25 years experience. We hope you enjoy their conversation.#disasterrecovery #hope #hurricanemelissa #giveservelove #convoyofhope #givetoday

Have you ever considered that connecting is a form of philanthropy? In this episode, you’ll meet David Homan, a next level connector, uncommon philanthropist, dad, author and composer. He is here today to challenge the way we think about connection and how we can maximize our ability as connectors to build purposeful communities.  Let go!To learn more:https://orchestratedconnecting.comHttps://uncommonphilanthropist.com

Caring for a loved one with dementia is truly one of the highest forms of philanthropy. Kathi Miracle is an author, expert and consultant and helps caregivers navigate the challenges of dementia care with compassion, knowledge and practical strategies.  She is here to share more with us about The Silver Tsunami.  Let go!  https://www.mysilvertsunami.comhttps://uncommonphilanthropist.com

Professor Renee Bourque leads us through the essentials of finding grant funding and so much more in this fun and informative episode. Renee advises UPs that curiosity should lead the way for those seeking to serve others through philanthropy. Let go!For more information:GettingFundedBooks.comBrightStarGrantConsultants.comUncommonPhilanthropist.com#Philanthropy #uncommonphilanthropist #serve #servantleaders #servantleadership #gettingfunded

Homelessness is something that universally tugs on our heartstrings. You see that person, with a sign by the side of the road, and you want to help, so you stop and give money or you give “stuff”. As you will learn in today’s conversation with Chuck Willbanks, the former Outreach Director of SafeHouse Outreach, warns that does not help, and in fact may be causing more harm than good. As Uncommon Philanthropists, we are here to learn and then to mobilize. As it turns out, helping our homeless brothers and sisters is not about money or donations of items:  it’s about connection and love.  Let go!To learn more:https://safehouseoutreach.orgHttps://cityofrefugeatl.orghttps://uncommonphilanthropist.com

On our journey to becoming uncommon philanthropists, it's important we gain wisdom along the way. Chris Gabriel, a philanthropy and financial expert and author of the new book, WISEgenerosity teaches us how we become both generous and WISE in our philanthropy.To learn more:https://wisegenerosity.comhttps://uncommonphilanthropist.com

The heart of a philanthropist requires both kindness and courage. In Zoe's case, her courage was tested when she refused to cancel a trip to Liberia in Africa during the height of the Ebola crisis. Learn more about her story on this episode of Uncommon Philanthropist.Zoe Hicks, an attorney, is here to help us think and act like a philanthropist! To learn more: https://uncommonphilanthropist.com

Great leaders understand the power of philanthropy and its profound impact on corporate culture. Tim Gabel, CEO and President of RTI International, leads with excellence, integrity and heart. A proud graduate of the University of Wyoming, Tim joins Rena to reflect on their "Cowboy" days and how those formative experiences helped shape his leadership journey. In this insightful conversation, Tim shares how he's leading RTI through challenging times, the essential role of giving back, and the values that continue to guide his work and mission.To learn more:https://rti.orghttps://uncommonphilanthropist.org#uncommonphilanthropist #letgo! #leadership #wyoming #universityofwyoming #RTI #RTIInternational #research

Heart for Africa is a faith-based humanitarian organization that focuses on bringing HOPE to the Kingdom of Eswatini, Africa in the areas of Hunger, Orphans, Poverty and Education.  In this episode of Uncommon Philanthropist, you'll meet David Bryant, the Executive Director of Heart for Africa. David is here to share more about this truly outstanding organization.  The word Yebo (in Eswatini ) means "Yes, I have seen."  It is also OBEY spelled backwards.  I know you will love this powerful story of faith, family and HOPE. For more information:https://heartforafrica.orghttps://uncommonphilanthropistP.S. Don't miss this interview with Heart for Africa co-founder Janine Maxwell in 2019 on my Relevate Podcast! https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ujxfk-c52ee2

Learn how pharmaceuticals nearing expiration date are being put to good use through the nonprofit MAP International and its many partners around the world. Charlie Iro, MAP's Community Engagement Manager, is here to share more about the organization's "Supply chain of hope".https://map.orghttps://uncommonphilanthropist.com

When adversity comes our way, know that it is often cloaked in opportunity. By allowing God in, know that healing, philanthropy and greater life purpose awaits—beyond the ashes of adversity.Today you’ll meet my friend, Jawanza Lamar, the founder of an innovative organization called ParkingNSites, created to educate the general public and to help make parking easier and more accessible for people with physical disabilities.  Jawanza’s story is one of love, purpose through adversity and uncommon philanthropy, let go!To learn more:https://parkingnsites.comhttps://uncommonphilanthropist.com

Requity Foundation, located in West Baltimore's Rosemont community, is a shining example of what's possible through community empowerment. Elisha Johnson is here to share more about the nonprofit's innovative mission and how restoration of a unit in a formerly dilapidated row house is sparking imaginations and creating valuable work experience for students at Carter Vocational-Technical High School. https://requity.orghttps://uncommonphilanthropist.com#communitytransformation #vocationaltraining #baltimore #uncommonphilanthropist #requity #requitycares #letgo

Listen in for an informative conversation about human trafficking and the inspiring work of Love Justice International to protect and serve the most vulnerable through prevention measures. Special thanks to Briony Fickling, Senior Anti-Trafficking Director and Cambri Driskell, Director of Volunteer Engagement, for sharing more about transit monitoring and the impact Love Justice is having around the world to “save the one”.To learn more about Love Justice and UP:https://lovejustice.ngoHttps://uncommonphilanthropist.com#humantrafficking #protectingchildren #lovejustice #prevention #transitmonitoring #uncommonphilanthropist #theleastofthese

Traumatic brain injury can be difficult to diagnose and dramatically impact the life of those affected. Carole Starr survived a horrific car crash but was left with a traumatic brain injury with no chance of a full recovery. Carole shares her story of not only surviving the injury but rebuilding her life as an author, keynote speaker and trusted advocate for others impacted by brain injury. In using her gifts in love and service to others, Carole has found her purpose and is indeed a next-level uncommon philanthropist...#LETGO!!Special thanks to the Brain Injury Association of America for the amazing work they do and for connecting us with Carole!To learn more about Carole: StarrSpeakerAuthor.comFor more about Rena Olsen: UncommonPhilanthropist.com#braininjuryawareness #braininjuryrehab #braininjurysurvivor #uncommonphilanthropist #uncommonphilanthropy #UP #letgo

It's a challenge for all...how do we serve the "invisible people" of our communities, including our homebound elderly, the housing insecure and those struggling with mental illness? First responders throughout the U.S. are helping bridge this gap through community paramedicine programs implemented by local fire departments and hospitals. Learn more about the hope and possibility of community paramedicine as told by community paramedic David Allen of My Watch Alpharetta. Thank you to the City of Alpharetta, the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, David Allen and the My Watch community paramedicine team and local taxpayers who make hope and help available to the most vulnerable in our community. To learn more: https://alpharetta.ga.usFor more about Rena Olsen of Uncommon Philanthropist: https://uncommonphilanthropist.com#alpharettaga#awesomealpharetta#rotary#communityparamedicine#firstresponders#invisiblepeople#invisiblepopulations#socialwork#Alpharetta#MyWatchprogram#communitychampions #aging#mentalhealth #homelessness

Kindness is often overlooked and misunderstood.  Learn from the kindness guru herself, Brooke Jones, VP of the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, on the transformative power of kindness to change lives around us and our own lives as well.  Kindness is truly a form of philanthropy...let go!To learn more:https://randomactsofkindness.orghttps://uncommonphilanthropist.comCatch more of Brooke's story on her Ted Talk, "Nourishment of the Soul":  https://www.ted.com/talks/brooke_jones_nourishment_of_the_soul?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshareWatch on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/y5RzGzd53TE

When you've lost everything because of natural disaster, a hot and delicious meal does more than nourish the body, it nurtures the soul. Learn more about Mercy Chefs, a nonprofit organization that provides chef inspired catered meals to disaster victims and volunteers. Uncommon Philanthropist had a chance to volunteer with Mercy Chefs in Asheville, North Carolina following Hurricane Helene; we also had a chance interview founder and CEO Chef Gary LeBlanc to discuss what it means "to feed body and soul". https://mercychefs.com https://uncommonphilanthropist.com #disasterresponse #disaster #nonprofit #uncommonphilanthropist #charity #serving #foodislove

Kile Lewis is a "go big or go home" kind of guy, especially when it comes to creative ways to raise money for charity. Gain insight from this fearless leader into what it means to be an uncommon philanthropist and learn more about the unique fundraising event he helped bring to life, The Alpharetta Polar Bear Plunge, presented by the Rotary Club of Alpharetta. Thank you for listening to the episode of the Uncommon Philanthropist Show! Please subscribe to the show and share this episode freely. We are thankful for your support. For more details on the events, organizations and companies mentioned in this episode, please visit: https://alpharettapolarbearplunge.com https://alpharettarotary.com https://oxygenfinancial.com https://uncommonphilanthropist.com

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with the multi-talented Elisabeth Omilami, a true humanitarian, actor and the daughter of civil rights great Rev. Hosea Williams. Elizabeth is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hosea Helps (formerly Hosea Feed the Hungry,) an Atlanta-based nonprofit that serves the needs of over 50,000 families per year in the U.S. and six countries abroad. To learn more about Hosea Helps: https://4Hosea.org To learn more about Rena Olsen and the Uncommon Philanthropist: https://uncommonphilanthropist.com

Rena Olsen is the guest on this very special episode of Uncommon Philanthropist. Rena, the usual host of UP, sits down with Erin Peterson of Scout Stories, an all-new team of Emmy-award journalist storytellers. You'll learn more about the heart and spirit of the Uncommon Philanthropist and a little about Scout Stories. To learn more: uncommonphilanthropist.com To learn more about Scout Stories: scoutstories.org

The donor advised fund, or DAF, has long been a valuable tool for traditional philanthropists. Think of a DAF as a savings account for charitable giving with additional benefits designed to fuel efficiency and help increase your donations to your favorite nonprofits. In this episode you'll meet Adam Nash, the CEO and co-founder of Daffy. Utilizing the latest technology, Daffy is a new way to "DAF" with additional functionality and ease of use built in for those who wish to take their charitable giving to new heights while having fun along the way. #LETGO!! Donate to the first UP campaign for victims of Hurricane Helene in Asheville: https://www.daffy.org/campaigns/support-orgs-helping-hurricane-helene-victims To learn more about Adam and Daffy: https://daffy.org For more about Rena Olsen and Uncommon Philanthropist: https://uncommonphilanthropist.com

As we all begin to form muscle as “uncommon philanthropists,” this episode with Elizabeth Burdette is a must-listen. It is "Philanthropy Class 101” on everything philanthropy that is sure to inform and inspire you!   Elizabeth is a former attorney and now serves with the wealth management firm SignatureFD as their philanthropic advisor. She has a true servant’s heart and deep knowledge of philanthropy.  Elizabeth is deeply connected with both the donor and nonprofit communities, has launched and a giving circle (Bloom Atlanta) and is a friend to many…all the while parenting three young children.   When developing the concept of Uncommon Philanthropist, Elizabeth was one of the first people I reached out to share the seed of the idea: how do we mobilize everyday people to engage in philanthropy?  Like a true Uncommon Philanthropist herself, she immediately gave of her heart, time and expertise and helped breathe life, vision and structure into what is now the Uncommon Philanthropist.    And of course, she agreed to be one of my first guests and to freely share what has been given to her.   Enjoy this episode with my brilliant friend and philanthropy expert, Elizabeth Burdette.

Learn how businessman Steve Beecham from Alpharetta, GA, has artfully helped build community and raise a lot of money for charity by serving others. https://stevebeecham.com https://uncommonphilanthropist.com