Unfunded List Open Door Philanthropy

Unfunded List Open Door Philanthropy

Unfunded List’s Open Door Philanthropy Podcast gathers philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers of all stripes. Hosted by Dave Moss, who founded Unfunded List in 2015 to help make sure that the next generation of changemakers get the feedback and recognition they need to be successful. Our mission is to demystify and open the door to private philanthropy for the general public while providing a platform for our guests to discuss their life's work. Unfunded List reviews funding proposals twice annually from small and mid-size nonprofits and social impact startups. The 200+ philanthropy experts on our evaluation committee give helpful and candid feedback about each grant proposal’s weaknesses & strengths. Then we publish the best proposals to our list that we circulate to a rolodex of foundations and philanthropists in the hopes that we can find some funding and partnerships for these amazing unfunded proposals. Unfunded List is currently accepting proposals for our Spring 2019 evaluation round until March 15, 2019. We invite your org to join the Unfunded List awardees and 100+ other projects that our funding evaluators have given feedback to since 2015. Find out more and submit at www.unfundedlist.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2d ago

    Dimple Abichandani - Author of "A New Era of Philanthropy"

    What can two of the architects of modern philanthropy teach us about its future? In this episode of Open Door Philanthropy, I sit down with Dimple Abichandani, author of A New Era of Philanthropy, to explore the lives and legacy of Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage and Andrew Carnegie - two giants in the Gilded Age.  Together, we examine questions that are just as relevant today as they were more than a century ago: Who gets to decide? How should philanthropy balance expertise with community voice? What responsibilities come with wealth? And what might the next era of philanthropy look like? Whether you're a nonprofit leader, funder, researcher, or simply curious about how philanthropy continues to evolve, I hope this conversation offers both historical perspective and inspiration for what comes next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Dimple Abichandani - Author of "A New Era of Philanthropy"

  2. Jun 12

    Susan Davis - Author, Bulls**t Without Borders

    What if our best intentions aren't enough? In this episode of Open Door Philanthropy, Margaret Chapman sits down with Susan Davis, author of B******t Without Borders: Let's Change the Way We Change the World, to explore the uncomfortable truths about international development and philanthropy. Drawing on more than three decades of experience across nonprofits, foundations, USAID-funded programs, and the global water sector, Susan challenges us to rethink what it means to help. Together, they discuss power, accountability, locally led solutions, and how donors and practitioners can move beyond charity as usual toward more effective and equitable approaches to social change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Susan Davis - Author, Bulls**t Without Borders

  3. Apr 23

    Bill Villafranco - Open Door Philanthropy with Dave Moss

    Willam Villafranco's Personal Background and Path to Wall Street Bill discussed his childhood, sports, and an early memory of generosity. A college entrepreneurial venture solidified his interest in business and Wall Street. He described Wall Street as a place to help people attain goals. Place-Based Philanthropy and the Colby College Model The conversation pivoted to philanthropy's role in revitalizing local communities. Colby College was highlighted as a model for place-based institutional investment. Private philanthropy can lead the charge in regentrification of an area. The Origin Story of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Bill detailed his relationship with client and mentor, Virginia Toulmin. Her estate plan created a $140 million foundation with no direction. She entrusted three trustees to manage the foundation with flexibility and her values. Foundation Operations and Invitation-Only Grantmaking The foundation operates with three trustees and no additional staff members. It follows a strict by-invitation-only policy to manage grant requests effectively. Grant seekers must find a common person to facilitate an introduction. Practicing Trust-Based Philanthropy Virginia's philosophy was 'show me how much I should trust you.' The foundation encourages open dialogue about both successes and struggles. Being a partner means stepping up to help during difficult periods. Navigating Dual Roles and Conflicts of Interest Bill discussed being both a grantmaker and a nonprofit executive director. He detailed the process for managing the conflict of interest transparently. Being on both sides provides a valuable perspective on the funding process. Challenges Facing the Nonprofit Sector Bill identified board composition and engagement as a major challenge for nonprofits. Low pay for nonprofit staff is a huge problem within the sector. Cuts in federal funding have increased the demand on private philanthropy. The Role of AI and the Importance of Funder Communication AI is a useful tool but doesn't replace the relationship aspect of philanthropy. Bill urged funders to communicate rejections clearly and respectfully to grant seekers. Clear communication allows nonprofits to be more productive with their time. Building a Legacy and Final Reflections - 12% Bill shared a story about a nursing school in Thailand as an example. The foundation is building Virginia's legacy through scholarships, a documentary, and books. The interview concluded on the importance of understanding philanthropy's history and impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Bill Villafranco - Open Door Philanthropy with Dave Moss

  4. 08/27/2025

    Jud Fisher - President & Chief Executive Officer - The Ball Brothers Foundation

    A Michigan native, Jud Fisher is a graduate of DePauw University and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He joined Ball Brothers Foundation in 2003 after working for Old National Bancorp. In addition to his duties as president and chief executive officer of BBF, he serves on the boards of several regional and statewide organizations including the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, IU Health East Central Region Board of Directors, Edmund F. & Virginia B. Ball Foundation, Muncie Aviation Company, First Merchants Corporation, and Burris Laboratory School’s Owl Academic & Athletic Boosters. He is the great-grandson of Ball Brothers Foundation founder Edmund B. Ball. As president and chief executive officer, Jud leads a dedicated board and staff in carrying out the mission of the Ball Brothers Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Jud Fisher - President & Chief Executive Officer - The Ball Brothers Foundation

  5. 09/16/2024

    Healthy Smiles Funder Panel

    Unfunded List presents a panel focused on grant making for oral health. Today's panelists are experienced philanthropists and they are here to help us prepare for Unfunded List's partnership with Dental Trade Alliance Foundation.  Read about the partnership: https://dentaltradealliance.org/news/672304/Empowering-Grant-Applicants-in-the-Oral-Health-Sector.htm Unfunded List evaluators will be providing helpful and candid feedback to community organizations applying for grants from DTAF.  Today's guests will do their best to prepare us to give the most helpful feedback we can give. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Healthy Smiles Funder Panel

  6. 08/01/2024

    Margaret Chapman - Board Chair of Unfunded List

    Dave sits down with the board chair of the Unfunded List. Margaret Chapman has managed budgets from $50,000 to over $50 million annually including START International, Inc., the George Washington Cancer Institute, and various projects for the Pew Charitable Trusts. Most importantly, In 2017, she helped the Unfunded List successfully file for 501c3 status and serves as our director of finance and administration while providing crucial support to our evaluation committee. She is the Provost of Unfunded University and holds an MBA and MA both from George Washington University. She is currently on sabbatical and serving in a board role while she pursues a PhD in Philanthropy at Indiana University. You can contact Margaret at margaret@unfundedlist.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Margaret Chapman - Board Chair of Unfunded List

  7. 03/16/2024

    Marshall Ginn - Philanthropy Consultant

    Welcome back to Open Door Philanthropy Giving Advisors as we continue our focus on the burgeoning and important field of philanthropy consulting. Marshall is Principal at Capital Philanthropy (www.capitalphilanthropy.com) and an Associate Member of the National Network for Consultants to Grantmakers where he supports their resource development efforts. Like Dave, he has a background in the arts and began his career as a development assistant. During the interview they discussed Marshall's upbringing in Richmond, VA and how he eventually got into philanthropy consulting. They discussed the current state of philanthropy at length, covering topics ranging from how to properly plan and execute social change to the various causes of burnout in the philanthropic sector. Enjoy! Marshall is also a member of the Unfunded List Proposal Evaluation Committee and will be reviewing proposals this Spring. Submit your proposal (https://www.unfundedlist.com/submit-your-proposal/) by March 30 and maybe Marshall will be one of your evaluators! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Marshall Ginn - Philanthropy Consultant

  8. 02/12/2024

    Amy Schiller - Author of The Price of Humanity

    Dave welcomes Amy Schiller, author of The Price of Humanity to talk about her new book and where Philanthropy is going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Amy Schiller - Author of The Price of Humanity
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About

Unfunded List’s Open Door Philanthropy Podcast gathers philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers of all stripes. Hosted by Dave Moss, who founded Unfunded List in 2015 to help make sure that the next generation of changemakers get the feedback and recognition they need to be successful. Our mission is to demystify and open the door to private philanthropy for the general public while providing a platform for our guests to discuss their life's work. Unfunded List reviews funding proposals twice annually from small and mid-size nonprofits and social impact startups. The 200+ philanthropy experts on our evaluation committee give helpful and candid feedback about each grant proposal’s weaknesses & strengths. Then we publish the best proposals to our list that we circulate to a rolodex of foundations and philanthropists in the hopes that we can find some funding and partnerships for these amazing unfunded proposals. Unfunded List is currently accepting proposals for our Spring 2019 evaluation round until March 15, 2019. We invite your org to join the Unfunded List awardees and 100+ other projects that our funding evaluators have given feedback to since 2015. Find out more and submit at www.unfundedlist.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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