Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast: What Is Your Why? – Charity Sector Stories

Night Owl Philanthropy - Dean Jones
  • 0.0 (0)
  • HOW TO

Welcome to the Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast Series: "What’s Your Why?" This is where we go beyond headlines to share the real, honest stories shaping the charity sector. Here, founders, leaders, and change makers open up about what drives them, the challenges they’ve faced, and the heart of their philanthropic journeys. Whether you’re a fundraiser, philanthropist, charity professional, or simply committed to making a difference, this channel offers genuine insight and inspiration to deepen your connection to giving. If you’d like to share your story or be featured in an upcoming conversation, we’d love to hear from you. You can find out more by visiting earlybirdphilanthropy.com

Episodes

  1. Cancer Comfort In A Bag | Lorraine Lewis | CEO & Founder | The Lewis Foundation | What's Your Why?

    FEB 7

    Cancer Comfort In A Bag | Lorraine Lewis | CEO & Founder | The Lewis Foundation | What's Your Why?

    In this episode of the Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast – What’s Your Why?, I’m joined by Lorraine Lewis, Co‑Founder and CEO of The Lewis Foundation. Lorraine shares the story of how a deeply personal family experience led to the creation of a charity that now provides free gift packs to adult cancer patients across multiple hospitals. She talks about how those early days on the ward shaped the Foundation’s mission, how the charity has grown operationally, and some of the challenges along the way. We explore the importance of emotional care alongside clinical treatment, the crucial role volunteers and community supporters play, and why visibility and awareness really matter for patients who often feel forgotten. Lorraine also reflects on the recognition the Foundation has received and her hopes for the future – from enhancing patient care to influencing how society thinks about comfort, dignity and compassion in cancer treatment. If you find this conversation helpful or moving, please like, comment, and subscribe to the channel, and follow the Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast on your preferred platform. The podcast is available on all major streaming channels. If you’d like to share your own story or explore being a guest on a future episode, you can get in touch via: 👉 https://earlybirdphilanthropy.com

    1h 5m
  2. The Power of 'Why': Mental Health, Leadership and Hope | Jon Manning, Founder and CEO | Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation

    JAN 23

    The Power of 'Why': Mental Health, Leadership and Hope | Jon Manning, Founder and CEO | Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation

    Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast: Jon Manning on building Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation Dean Jones speaks with Jon Manning, founder/CEO of Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation, about turning lived experience of trauma and mental illness into accessible one‑to‑one support – no waiting lists, no thresholds.​ From childhood abuse, four‑year NHS waits and a Priory breakthrough to starting a charity on 57p, they explore crisis leadership, team wellbeing and why mental health underpins so much else.​ For charity leaders, mental health practitioners, funders and partners seeking grounded insights on innovation, safeguarding and lived‑experience ​ Contents 00:00 – Welcome 01:51 – Early experiences (“How did they shape your understanding?”) Childhood abuse, failed CAMHS​ 03:32 – Family history & name 06:35 – From surviving to helping (“What moved you?”) Empathy to fix systems.​ 08:54 – Turning point Priory diagnosis, traffic lights decision.​ 12:39 – Evolving ‘why’ Mass training to one‑to‑one.​ 13:38 – Covid surge Daily referrals, willingness to seek help.​ 16:22 – Arthur Ellis model (“How do you introduce it?”) Ages 8+, online/play therapy.​ 20:41 – Day one NatWest Accelerator, consultancy survival.​ 24:14 – Problem solved Patient experience, choice, waits.​ 26:32 – Barriers Credibility, free work.​ 28:23 – Make‑or‑break Sold furniture for £16k contract.​ 29:51 – Vision vs governance (“How do you balance?”) Trustees, DSL, team roles.​ 35:07 – Self‑care Therapy, exercise, boundaries.​ 38:26 – Team support Supervision, referral distancing.​ 43:24 – Impact stories Girl leaves home, boy wins student award.​ 53:45 – Career path Sales to charity.​ 1:02:57 – Myths “Burden” narrative, clinical framing.​ 1:08:24 – One change Healthy behaviours marketing.​ 1:13:05 – Good leadership People first, balanced sacrifice.​ 1:28:18 – Help needed Partnerships, events.​ 1:33:02 – Future 20k people/year, accessible service.​

    1h 23m
  3. What's Your Why? | An Introduction to the Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast - What's Your Why?

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    What's Your Why? | An Introduction to the Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast - What's Your Why?

    Episode 0: What Is Your Why? – Introducing the Podcast In this opening episode, host Dean Jones introduces the Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast and explains the vision behind the series.​ This is a podcast dedicated to uncovering the real stories, motivations and resilience of charity leaders, fundraisers, philanthropists and changemakers across the social impact sector. Each episode will ask one central question: what is your why?​ Dean shares who the podcast is for, what listeners can expect from future conversations, and why authentic, long-form dialogue matters in a sector often defined by its complexity and emotional weight.​ If you're involved in charity, fundraising or philanthropy – or simply care about making a difference – this episode sets the tone for the honest, purposeful conversations to come.

    2 min
  4. Navigating Complexities of Children's Hospice Fundraising | Vicky Smith | Director of Income Generation Acorn's Children's Hospice

    JAN 9

    Navigating Complexities of Children's Hospice Fundraising | Vicky Smith | Director of Income Generation Acorn's Children's Hospice

    Summary In this episode of the Night Owl Philanthropy podcast, Dean Jones speaks with Vicky Smith, the Executive Director of Income Generation at Acorns Children's Hospice. Vicky shares her personal journey into the charitable sector, driven by a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. She discusses the unique challenges faced by children's hospices, the importance of community support, and the innovative strategies being employed to raise funds. Vicky emphasises the need for emotional resilience in fundraising and the critical role of retail operations in generating income for the charity. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of various sectors and the importance of collaboration in achieving philanthropic goals. In this conversation, Vicky Smith discusses the challenges and rewards of leading a children's hospice, emphasising the importance of resilience, peer support, and effective leadership. She shares insights on the evolving landscape of hospice care, the necessity of collaboration, and the role of government in supporting these services. Vicky also highlights innovative strategies for fundraising and the significance of community engagement, while reflecting on her personal journey and the qualities that make a great fundraiser. The discussion concludes with a hopeful outlook for the future of Acorns and the essential role it plays in the community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Philanthropy and Personal Motivation 02:50 Career Journey and Transferable Skills 05:51 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Career Choices 08:35 Ambitious Campaigns in Higher Education 11:25 The Role of Acorns Children's Hospice 14:15 Understanding Children's Hospice Care 17:02 Complexities of Care in Children's Hospices 19:28 Personal Stories and Emotional Impact 22:15 Funding Challenges in the Hospice Sector 36:06 Behind the Scenes of Fundraising 38:56 Rising Costs and Increasing Demand 41:58 Emotional Burden of Fundraising 43:58 The Role of Retail in Fundraising 49:37 Managing Multiple Fundraising Streams 52:18 Leadership in High-Stakes Environments 58:11 The Future of the Charity Sector 01:03:00 Government's Role in Funding Children's Hospices 01:11:34 Innovative Income Generation Strategies for Hospices 01:15: 44 Transforming Acorns: Vision for the Future 01:20:22 Finding Hope in Hospice Care 01:24:55 Qualities of a Great Fundraiser 01:30:50 Navigating Leadership in the Charity Sector 01:34:10 The Impact of Birmingham on Leadership Style 01:35:38 Personal Insights and Unexpected Backgrounds

    1h 42m

Trailer

About

Welcome to the Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast Series: "What’s Your Why?" This is where we go beyond headlines to share the real, honest stories shaping the charity sector. Here, founders, leaders, and change makers open up about what drives them, the challenges they’ve faced, and the heart of their philanthropic journeys. Whether you’re a fundraiser, philanthropist, charity professional, or simply committed to making a difference, this channel offers genuine insight and inspiration to deepen your connection to giving. If you’d like to share your story or be featured in an upcoming conversation, we’d love to hear from you. You can find out more by visiting earlybirdphilanthropy.com

Information