The Guide to Good Series

About this episodeAcross the U.S., opportunity gaps widen when school doors close for the summer. Horizons National partners with communities to provide joyful, year-round learning experiences that keep students curious, confident, and engaged. In this episode, Brandolon Barnett, Head of Innovation at Giving Compass, and Lorna Smith, CEO of Horizons National, explore how out-of-school-time program...

In this conversation, Brandolon Barnett, Head of Innovation and Philanthropy at Giving Compass, and Sade Dozan, founder of Melanate. and VP of Advancement at Borealis Philanthropy, explore the transformative potential of philanthropy when approached as a responsibility rather than a transaction. They discuss the importance of building trust and solidarity within the philanthropic ecosystem, emphas...

Emergency aid can mean the difference between staying in school or dropping out for today’s college students. In this episode, Brandolon Barnett and Mike Nyland, CEO of Scholarship America, explore how small, timely financial interventions can help students—especially those balancing work, caregiving, and studies—stay on track to graduate. Listeners will learn how their giving can directly support...

How can disaster philanthropy create recovery for all and build community resilience? In this episode of Guide to Good, Brandolon Barnett sits down with Patty McIlreavy, CEO and President of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP). Together, they explore a more expansive view of disaster philanthropy that goes beyond immediate relief to focus on long-term recovery and community-led solutions. P...

How does empowering local activists lead to global change in the fight for human rights and social justice? In this episode of Guide to Good , Brandolon sits down with Rona Peligal, Vice President of Development and Communications at the Fund for Global Human Rights. Together, they explore the Fund’s mission to empower grassroots activists worldwide, tackling issues such as authoritarianism, clima...

What role does indigenous knowledge play in addressing climate change, protecting sacred sites, and building power among different tribes and grassroots movements? In this episode, Brandolon Barnett from Giving Compass interviews Judith LeBlanc, the founder and executive director of Native Organizers Alliance, to delve into the work and impact of the organization. Together, they delve into the sig...

Have you ever considered how your small contribution could spark significant change in the world? In this episode, Sara Lomelin, the founding CEO of Philanthropy Together, joins us. Her dynamic organization is on a mission to democratize and diversify philanthropy globally. Sara discusses the positive impact of collective giving, breaking down barriers to traditional philanthropy, and cultivating...

How can we reimagine STEM education to empower and inspire the next generation of Black and Latina innovators?  In this episode, Nikole, CEO of TechBridge Girls, discusses the organization’s mission to make STEM education more equitable, responsive, and relevant for girls of color. Explore the pillars of TechBridge’s curriculum framework, the importance of belonging and mentorship, and how donors...