Episode 118: An Interview with Irene Pritzker, Co-Founder and Chair of the IDP Foundation

Episode 118: An Interview with Irene Pritzker, Co-Founder and Chair of the IDP Foundation

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer speaks with Irene Pritzker, chair and co-founder of the IDP Foundation, about her groundbreaking work expanding access to education in developing countries through innovative financing models. Irene shares how a trip to Ghana transformed her philanthropic focus from medical research to education after discovering that low-fee private schools serving some of the poorest families had no access to credit or financial support. What began as a single partnership with a microfinance institution has since grown into a sustainable model reaching hundreds of thousands of students across Sub-Saharan Africa. You'll hear about: * How a visit to a market school in Ghana inspired Irene's education financing model * Why do low-fee private schools in developing countries often lack access to capital * The role financial institutions can play in improving education outcomes * How the IDP Foundation created a sustainable and scalable lending model for schools * Why catalytic philanthropy and strategic partnerships are essential for long-term impact * The importance of working closely with governments and local communities * How innovative financing and program-related investments can unlock opportunity across Africa Irene's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-pritzker-65bb0195/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-pritzker-65bb0195/] Irene's Book The School in the Market: https://www.idpfplus.org/the-school-in-the-market/ [https://www.idpfplus.org/the-school-in-the-market/] IDP Foundation Website: https://www.idpfoundation.org/ [https://www.idpfoundation.org/] IDP Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idpfoundation/ [https://www.instagram.com/idpfoundation/] IDP Foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IDPFoundation [https://www.facebook.com/IDPFoundation] IDP Foundation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idp-foundation-inc-/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/idp-foundation-inc-/] Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com [https://linkphilanthropic.com] Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com [info@linkphilanthropic.com]

Episode 116: An interview with Christine Mack, Founder of the Mack Art Foundation

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer speaks with Christine Mack, founder of the Mac Art Foundation and co-founder of Space to Curate. Christine shares her journey from growing up between cultures in Manila and Sweden to building a creative career in New York, and how her path naturally evolved into philanthropy through motherhood, community involvement, and a deep passion for the arts. Christine's story highlights how following curiosity and taking action can lead to unexpected impact. What began as volunteering and supporting youth mental health initiatives eventually transformed into a mission to uplift emerging artists through mentorship, residency programs, and community-driven art experiences. By creating direct connections between artists, collectors, and communities, she is redefining how philanthropy can support creativity, mental health, and long-term cultural change. You'll hear about: * How Christine's background and life experiences shaped her philanthropic journey * The transition from design and parenting into community-based philanthropy * Why supporting youth mental health played a foundational role in her work * How the Mac Art Foundation provides mentorship, resources, and exposure for emerging artists * The importance of creating direct connections between artists, collectors, and communities * How art can support mental health, expression, and personal transformation * Christine's vision for building sustainable support systems and a legacy through art philanthropy Mack Art Foundation: https://www.mackartfoundation.org/ [https://www.mackartfoundation.org/] Mack Art Foundation's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackartfoundation/ [https://www.instagram.com/mackartfoundation/] Simon Sinek's TED Talks: https://simonsinek.com/videos/ted-talks [https://simonsinek.com/videos/ted-talks] Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/ [https://childmind.org/] Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com [https://linkphilanthropic.com] Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com [info@linkphilanthropic.com]

Episode 115: An Interview with Syama Bunten, Founder of Wealth Catalyst and Principal of Big Delta Capital

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer speaks with Syama Bunten, principal of Big Delta Capital and founder of Wealth Catalyst. Syama shares her journey from working in fashion and entrepreneurship to stepping into the world of investing and wealth building after a pivotal life transition. Through her work, she is creating spaces where women can take ownership of their financial futures and feel confident using their capital with intention. This conversation explores the powerful shift happening as more women step into both earned and inherited wealth, and the critical need to close the confidence gap around money and investing. Syama highlights how community, shared knowledge, and aligned values can transform not only how women approach wealth, but how they use it to create meaningful impact in the world. Her approach reframes philanthropy and investing as deeply personal, relational, and purpose-driven practices. You'll hear about: * The growing opportunity for women through wealth creation and wealth transfer * Why confidence, not knowledge, is often the biggest barrier to financial empowerment * How Wealth Catalyst is building a community for women to learn, invest, and grow together * The importance of peer networks and shared experiences in shaping financial decisions * Creative approaches to giving that prioritize connection and alignment over size of gift * How life transitions can spark a deeper sense of purpose and agency with money * Syama's vision for helping women use capital to create lasting impact and legacy Connect with Syama! Wealth Catalyst's Website: https://wealthcatalyst.com/ [https://wealthcatalyst.com/]Syama's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syamameagher/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/syamameagher/] Syama's Podcast: https://wealthcatalyst.com/getting-rich-together-podcast/ [https://wealthcatalyst.com/getting-rich-together-podcast/] Syama's Website: https://syamabunten.com/ [https://syamabunten.com/]Syama's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syama.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/syama.co/] Big Delta Capital's Website: https://www.bigdeltacapital.com/ [https://www.bigdeltacapital.com/] Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com [https://linkphilanthropic.com] Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com [info@linkphilanthropic.com]

Episode 114: An Interview with Hall Rockefeller, Founder and Director of Less Than Half

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer sits down with Hall Rockefeller, founder and director of Less Than Half, an arts organization dedicated to addressing the underrepresentation of women artists in major museum collections and the global art market. Hall shares how discovering that only about 15 percent of major US museum collections and roughly 3 percent of the auction market represent women artists inspired her to build a membership community focused on education, patronage, and long-term change. Through Less Than Half, Hall is reimagining what modern patronage looks like by equipping women to become collectors, investors, and philanthropic supporters of women artists. Rather than focusing only on purchasing art, she encourages a broader approach that includes funding residencies, supporting scholarship, building meaningful collections, and ultimately shaping institutional representation. Her work highlights how collective action, peer networks, and legacy giving can shift cultural narratives and create lasting philanthropic impact in the arts. In this episode, Lori and Marni discuss: * The stark gender gap in museum collections and the art market, and why it matters for cultural representation * How Less Than Half educates women to become confident art collectors and patrons * The concept of modern patronage and how women supporting women can move the needle * Practical ways to support women artists beyond purchasing artwork * The power of peer networks and community events to amplify impact * Why patience and deep understanding of a system are essential for meaningful social change * How building and donating collections can create a long-term legacy that reshapes institutions Connect with Hall! Less Than Half Website: https://www.lessthanhalf.org/ [https://www.lessthanhalf.org/]Less Than Half Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lessthanhalf/ [https://www.instagram.com/_lessthanhalf/]Less Than Half LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/less-than-half/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/less-than-half/]Hall's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hall-w-rockefeller-87a0b8131/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hall-w-rockefeller-87a0b8131/]Hall's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/all.the.lady.artists/ [https://www.instagram.com/all.the.lady.artists/] Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com [https://linkphilanthropic.com] Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com [info@linkphilanthropic.com]

Episode 113: An Interview with Marni Mandell, Founder of Friendraising for Success and CEO of Shalom Orlando

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer welcomes Marni Mandel, founder and CEO of Fundraising for Success. Marni shares her unique journey from nonprofit leadership to the tech world and back to fundraising, explaining how her passion for relationship building has shaped her approach to philanthropy. She believes that successful fundraising is rooted in authentic human connection, curiosity, and trust, not just asking for money. Marni also discusses how her experience fundraising for the Israeli Children's Fund after October 7th reignited her love for nonprofit work. Through coaching individuals, boards, and organizations, she helps leaders overcome fear around asking for support and shows them how to build meaningful partnerships with donors. She also shares how artificial intelligence can be used as a tool to streamline tasks, strengthen communication, and give fundraisers more time to focus on what matters most, building relationships. In this episode, Lori and Marni discuss: * Why fundraising is really about building friendships and trust * How Marni helps leaders feel more confident asking for support * The importance of creating a clear and intentional donor profile * Common mistakes fundraisers make and how to avoid them * Using AI to improve donor communication and strategy * How technology can save time and reduce stress for nonprofit professionals * The personal legacy Marni hopes to leave for her children and the world Connect with Marni! Shalom Orlando: https://shalomorlando.org/ [https://shalomorlando.org/]Friendraising for Success: https://friendraisingforsuccess.com/ [https://friendraisingforsuccess.com/]Marni's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnimandell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnimandell/]Marni's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marni.mandell/ [https://www.instagram.com/marni.mandell/]Marni's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marni.mandell/ [https://www.facebook.com/marni.mandell/] Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com [https://linkphilanthropic.com] Email: info@linkphilanthropic.com [info@linkphilanthropic.com]