giving intelligence podcast

Jennifer Cowan with Connections for Children

On this episode, we welcome Jennifer Cowan, Chief Executive Officer of Connections for Children. Jennifer leads an organization that for 50 years has been helping children, families, and child care providers across the Westside and South Bay connect to the resources, education, and support they need to thrive. In our conversation, we talk about why child care is far more than a parenting issue, how Connections for Children is making a difference on the ground, and what all of us can do to better support families and the people who care for our youngest children

Matt Coleman of Giving Multiplier

Today’s episode is about a simple but powerful idea: we all want our giving to matter. Most donors give from habit or emotion alone, supporting the same causes year after year. But as today’s guest, Matt Coleman, Executive Director of Giving Multiplier, explains, there are also opportunities to give in ways that can be dramatically more effective—sometimes doing far more good per dollar than we might expect. In this conversation, Matt shares how Giving Multiplier helps donors bridge the gap between the causes they care about personally and expert-recommended charities with exceptional impact. It is a practical, thoughtful approach that combines heart and head—allowing donors to support meaningful organizations while also increasing the effectiveness of their giving. As you listen, think about your own charitable giving. Are you giving the way you always have, or are there ways to make your generosity more intentional, more informed, and more impactful? This episode may help you take the next step. For more information on Giving Multiplier, visit https://givingmultiplier.org/intelligence

Suzanne Ehlers of USA for UNHCR

In today’s episode of The Giving Intelligence Podcast, we’ll explore what it really means to support refugees — not just through emergency aid, but through opportunity, education, and partnership. I’ll be talking with Suzanne Ehlers, Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR, the U.S. nonprofit that raises awareness and resources for the United Nations Refugee Agency. Suzanne shares how her organization connects American donors and partners with global humanitarian impact — from women-led philanthropy to scholarship programs helping refugee students rebuild their futures. After hearing this conversation, I hope you’ll take a fresh look at your own giving. Don’t just give out of habit — give with intention. Think about who you give to, why you give, and how you can make your generosity even more meaningful.

Jeff Schreifels of Virtas Group.

On this edition of Giving Intelligence, Mitchell is joined by Jeff Schreifels, one of the leading voices in major donor fundraising. Whether you’re a donor seeking a more meaningful way to give back or a nonprofit professional looking to engage your supporters better, this conversation is for you. Jeff shares powerful insights into what truly inspires generosity and how to feel more connected to the impact of giving. By the end, you’ll walk away with practical ideas to align resources with the legacy you want to create. For more information on Jeff Schreifels and Veritus Group, please visit www.veritusgroup.com [http://www.veritusgroup.com]. To learn more about Mitchell and how to better integrate charitable giving into your wealth management plan, please visit www.givingintelligence.com.

Laurie Herrick of Rainmaker Consulting

Join us for an enlightening episode of Giving Intelligence as we sit down with Laurie Herrick, founder of Rainmaker Consulting, to explore how nonprofits can build a stronger culture of philanthropy and engage donors more effectively. Laurie shares her journey from volunteer work with advocacy groups to launching Rainmaker Consulting in 2023 with the mission of helping nonprofits maximize their fundraising potential. In this conversation, Laurie discusses the power of an abundance mindset in philanthropy, recounting how shifting from scarcity thinking to an abundance approach led her to secure a seven-figure donor commitment. She also shares insights from her book Choose Abundance and explores the importance of deep, authentic relationships with donors and board members. Through real-world examples, Laurie demonstrates how organizations can increase donor retention and revenue by fostering a culture of connection and engagement. By the end of this episode, you'll feel inspired to rethink your approach to donor relationships and learn actionable strategies to cultivate lasting partnerships that drive sustainable impact. For more information on Laurie Herrick and Rainimaker Consulting, please visit their website rainmkr.com. To get a copy of Laurie’s book Choose Abundunce, please visit https://books2read.com/u/m066pM