Black Philanthropy: Our Stories

How do we build a vital and inclusive democracy in a time of polarization, uncertainty, and systemic inequities? In this episode of  Black Philanthropy: Our Storie s, host Michelle Renee Jackson , MDiv, sits down with Keesha Gaskins-Nathan , Director of the Democratic Practice Program for the United States at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, to explore her journey from law school and community organ...

What does it take to transform a life from selling drugs to raising millions for nonprofits? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories , host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Ken Miller , CFRE, a nationally recognized fundraising strategist, mentor, and advocate for Black men in development. Ken's story is one of resilience, faith, and purpose—a testament to the power of secon...

How does one help to embed equity into the DNA of a major philanthropic institution like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories , host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, speaks with Maisha Simmons, Associate Vice President of Equity and Culture at RWJF. Together, they discuss how Maisha leads efforts to operationalize equity, diversity, and inclusion acro...

How do leaders in philanthropy navigate challenges to their mission, purpose, and legacy in a time of political uncertainty and social change? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories , a Simuel + Murray podcast, host  Michelle Renee Jackson , MDiv, sits down with Rey Ramsey, President and CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, to explore his journey from fundraiser to funder, and the st...

How can small nonprofits build sustainable revenue, access philanthropic data, and stay rooted in community? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories , host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Francesca Axam Frederick, a fundraiser, strategist, and tech entrepreneur whose journey from dance to data is reshaping how grassroots organizations engage with philanthropy. Francesca sha...

What can philanthropy learn from military leadership, ancestral resilience, and faith-driven service? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Darrin Goss Sr., President & CEO of Coastal Community Foundation, to explore his journey from Army officer and minister to foundation president. Darrin shares how his Charleston roots, military tr...

What does it mean to center Black women's healing, challenge philanthropy's contradictions, and reclaim joy as a radical act? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Dr. Yanique Redwood—author, strategist, and former foundation CEO—to explore the emotional, structural, and spiritual dimensions of Black women's experiences in philanthrop...

What does it mean to lead with courage, stay mission-driven, and institutionalize love in philanthropy? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Edward Jones, Vice President of Programs and Philanthropic Advising Services at ABFE – A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities. Edward shares his journey from a temporary role in phila...

What does it mean to lead with faith, bridge divides, and build belonging in philanthropy? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Jason Garrett, Senior Vice President of Faith, Bridging, and Belonging at the Freedom Together Foundation. Jason shares his journey from Wall Street to Harvard Divinity School, from community organizing to l...

What does it mean to be called to philanthropy "for such a time as this"? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Yvonne Moore—strategist, founder of Moore Philanthropy, and truth-teller in the sector—to explore the tension between comfort and courage in Black philanthropy. Yvonne opens up about the "golden handcuffs" that keep many pro...

What does it mean to lead a foundation while honoring your calling, your family, your hair, and your roots? In this episode of "Black Philanthropy: Our Stories," host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Jason Terrell, President of the Dobbs Foundation, former educator, and co-founder of Profound Gentlemen. Jason shares his deeply personal journey from teaching middle school English to lea...

If y ou're tired of code switching to survive at work, especially when employer loyalty isn't guaranteed,   Steve Vassor , of Fund II Foundation and DJ, helps you rethink risk: how to decide when a workplace has earned you, when it hasn't, and how showing up as your authentic self in philanthropy can be a smarter career move than playing safe. More resources at  blackphilanthropypodcast.com . Foll...

Think your messy past disqualifies you from a career in philanthropy? Think again. Your past isn't a liability. It's an asset. Brianna Rogers , at the San Francisco Foundation , once in foster care and formerly incarcerated, demonstrates how you can (and must) turn your lived experience into leadership currency in the industry of philanthropy to transform the communities you love. More resources  ...

You're overwhelmed by lapsed donors, expired pledges, and impossible fundraising goals. Steven Wallace of Aspen Leadership Group shows you how he revitalized a dormant six‑figure pledge into a fully funded seven‑figure gift. He also helps you ditch a "victim" mindset and choose an employer that aligns with your values. More help at blackphilanthropypodcast.com . Follow   @ blackphilanthropyourstor...

You may feel shut out of philanthropy, told you need elite credentials, polished language, or "the right pedigree."  C'Ardiss "CC" Gardner-Gleser , Founder of Black Ivy Collective, shows you how to break past gatekeeping, reject elitism, and use your lived experience as power. Learn how to step in boldly, disrupt harmful norms, and lead unapologetically.   More resources at blackphilanthropypodcas...

Philanthropy and black culture are inextricable. Always. Every time. Everywhere. My father, Solomon Neal Jackson III, is an example of what it is for us to love through our giving. The industry of philanthropy often ignores philanthropists  like him. Not us. This show is dedicated to our dad, Solomon, a man known for how big he loved. He is black philanthropy. More resources at blackphilanthropypo...

"Black Philanthropy: Our Stories" explores the untold stories of professionals and philanthropists dedicated to black philanthropy. Join our host and award-winning storyteller, Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, as she interviews black leaders in philanthropy across the U.S. Each episode, features an interview with a trailblazer, like the foundation leader who has allocated over $90 million in grants t...