Untapped Philanthropy

Fluxx

Untapped Philanthropy profiles leaders, public figures, philanthropists and industry experts to explore the fascinating intersection of funding, technology and policy. We're here to analyze the most formative topics and trends that shape the present and future of philanthropy. Each episode features conversations with philanthropic visionaries who work to unpack an industry that is increasingly put under pressure to do more – faster. Expect conversations centered around how philanthropy can unleash the power of the collective in order to drive action and innovation, deepen support, and strengthen relationships with communities, nonprofits, and public institutions. Untapped Philanthropy is produced by Fluxx – the cloud platform that powers giving and impact in philanthropy. Learn more at fluxx.io

  1. 6D AGO

    What Does It Really Mean to Activate Good? Volunteerism, Identity, and Why Everyone Has a Role with Amber Melanie Smith

    In a new episode of Untapped Philanthropy, Amber Melanie Smith, award-winning nonprofit founder, social entrepreneur, and creator of Activate Good, joins host Tim Sarrantonio to explore what it means to build a life and career around genuine community service. Drawing on two decades of mobilizing volunteers and supporting nonprofit leaders, Amber reframes the connection between personal identity and civic action. The conversation examines why so many people want to make a difference but may not know where to start, how social entrepreneurship can become a path to impact, and what philanthropists and funders often miss about the people already doing the work at the grassroots level. Listeners will come away with a clearer sense of how to align their skills, values, and lived experience with the change they want to help create, and why that alignment is essential to sustainable, meaningful giving. For more info on Amber, visit:  Website: https://ambermelaniesmith.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambermsmith/ To learn more about Fluxx, visit: fluxx.io Tim Sarrantonio has launched The Generosity Spectrum, an educational gaming company focused on helping nonprofit leaders explore generosity, identity, and motivation through hands-on learning. The work blends research, play, and systems thinking to create practice spaces where people can learn together in more human ways. To learn more about the thinking behind the company and where it’s headed, listeners can subscribe to Tim’s LinkedIn newsletter. Episodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.

    25 min
  2. MAR 26

    Why People Give: Identity, Love, and the Psychology of Philanthropy with Jen Shang

    In a new episode of Untapped Philanthropy, philanthropic psychologist Jen Shang joins hosts Kerrin Mitchell and Tim Sarrantonio to explore a fundamental question: what if giving is rooted in identity, rather than financial transaction? Drawing on decades of research, Jen introduces philanthropic psychology as the study of how people love, and how that understanding can reshape fundraising, grantmaking, and the broader social sector. The conversation centers on how generosity connects to meaning, relationships, and psychological well-being. Together, Kerrin, Tim, and Jen explore how foundations and nonprofits can move beyond strategy to better understand the individuals behind decisions. From authenticity in leadership to the role of identity in shaping philanthropic environments, they discuss why creating space for reflection, listening, and human connection can lead to more impactful and sustainable outcomes. They also unpack the tension between love and power in philanthropy, and what it looks like to center dignity, trust, and genuine care in the process. For more info on Jen, visit:  Website: https://www.philanthropy-institute.org.uk/vision  Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/jen-shang-92320967  To learn more about Fluxx, visit: fluxx.io Tim Sarrantonio has launched The Generosity Spectrum, an educational gaming company focused on helping nonprofit leaders explore generosity, identity, and motivation through hands-on learning. The work blends research, play, and systems thinking to create practice spaces where people can learn together in more human ways. To learn more about the thinking behind the company and where it’s headed, listeners can subscribe to Tim’s LinkedIn newsletter. Episodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.

    34 min
  3. JAN 9

    Imagining a Future Good: Trends, Action, and Joy with Trista Harris

    In a new episode of Untapped Philanthropy, futurist Trista Harris joins hosts Kerrin Mitchell and Tim Sarrantonio to explore how the social sector can prepare for an increasingly uncertain future. Drawing on her work at Future Good, Trista reframes futurism as a practical discipline rooted in foresight, preparation, and choice.  The conversation examines how nonprofits and funders can move from reacting to disruption toward shaping long-term impact. From managing volatility and misinformation to engaging thoughtfully with emerging technologies like AI, Trista shares why values, governance, and human-centered leadership are essential in moments of rapid change.  Together, Kerrin, Tim, and Trista discuss the importance of scenario planning, long-term vision, and collective sensemaking, along with why hope and imagination remain strategic assets for the sector.  For more from Trista Harris, visit: wearefuturegood.com Continue the conversation: Trista Harris will also be joining Fluxx for an upcoming Pulse webinar, where she’ll go deeper into how futurism, foresight, and long-term thinking can help leaders navigate uncertainty in real time. Learn more and register here: https://www.fluxx.io/pulse-webinar-jan-2026 To learn more about Fluxx, visit: fluxx.io  Tim Sarrantonio has launched The Generosity Spectrum, an educational gaming company focused on helping nonprofit leaders explore generosity, identity, and motivation through hands-on learning. The work blends research, play, and systems thinking to create practice spaces where people can learn together in more human ways. To learn more about the thinking behind the company and where it’s headed, listeners can subscribe to Tim’s LinkedIn newsletter.  Episodes of Untapped Philanthropy are edited, mixed, and mastered by Rocket Skates Recording.

    51 min

About

Untapped Philanthropy profiles leaders, public figures, philanthropists and industry experts to explore the fascinating intersection of funding, technology and policy. We're here to analyze the most formative topics and trends that shape the present and future of philanthropy. Each episode features conversations with philanthropic visionaries who work to unpack an industry that is increasingly put under pressure to do more – faster. Expect conversations centered around how philanthropy can unleash the power of the collective in order to drive action and innovation, deepen support, and strengthen relationships with communities, nonprofits, and public institutions. Untapped Philanthropy is produced by Fluxx – the cloud platform that powers giving and impact in philanthropy. Learn more at fluxx.io

You Might Also Like