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,...

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 transf...

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 daugh...

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 reside...

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.org Https://uncommonphilanthropist...

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...

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 wi...

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.com Https://u...

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.com https://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.com BrightStarGrantConsultants.com UncommonPhilanthropist.com #Philanthropy #uncommonphilanthropist #serve...

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 P...

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.com https://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.c...

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 conversati...

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...

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.org https://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...

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-Technica...

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 t...

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 usi...

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 c...

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.org https://uncommonphilanthropist.com Catch more of Brooke'...

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...

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 episod...

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 lear...