012: Insider Grant Strategies Revealed, Francesca Axam Frederick on How Grantyd Helps Grassroots Nonprofits Unlock Funding
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
Release Date: 10/04/2025
014: From Feeling Unworthy to Leading Health Equity, Maisha Simmons’ Journey through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
How does one help to embed equity into the DNA of a major philanthropic institution like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation? In this episode of , host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, speaks with Maisha Simmons, Associate Vice President of Equity and Culture at RWJF. Together, they discuss how Maisha leads efforts to operationalize equity, diversity, and inclusion across RWJF’s programs and policies. Maisha reflects on her journey from grassroots community development to national leadership, including early roles in grant writing, advocacy, and public health. She shares insights into...
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013: How to Protect Your Foundation’s Mission in a Politically Charged Climate, with Rey Ramsey
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
How do leaders in philanthropy navigate challenges to their mission, purpose, and legacy in a time of political uncertainty and social change? In this episode of , a podcast, host , MDiv, sits down with Rey Ramsey, President and CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation, to explore his journey from fundraiser to funder, and the strategy he uses to lead the Foundation through challenging times. Rey shares how his upbringing in Philadelphia, the influence of his sixth-grade teacher, and his early career in fundraising shaped his commitment to “lifting the human spirit.” He discusses the...
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012: Insider Grant Strategies Revealed, Francesca Axam Frederick on How Grantyd Helps Grassroots Nonprofits Unlock Funding
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
How can small nonprofits build sustainable revenue, access philanthropic data, and stay rooted in community? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Francesca Axam Frederick, a fundraiser, strategist, and tech entrepreneur whose journey from dance to data is reshaping how grassroots organizations engage with philanthropy. Francesca shares how her early experiences in the arts led her to fundraising, why she transitioned into human services, and how she and her husband launched Grantyd, a tech platform designed to support small...
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011 Ex-Army Officer's Eye-Opening Take on the World of Philanthropy, with Darrin Goss
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What can philanthropy learn from military leadership, ancestral resilience, and faith-driven service? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Darrin Goss Sr., President & CEO of Coastal Community Foundation, to explore his journey from Army officer and minister to foundation president. Darrin shares how his Charleston roots, military training, and ministerial calling shaped his approach to leadership in philanthropy. With over 30 years of experience across sectors, he offers his perspective on hope, influence as capital, and the...
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010: A Love Letter to Black Women, with Dr. Yanique Redwood
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What does it mean to center Black women’s healing, challenge philanthropy’s contradictions, and reclaim joy as a radical act? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Dr. Yanique Redwood—author, strategist, and former foundation CEO—to explore the emotional, structural, and spiritual dimensions of Black women’s experiences in philanthropy. Dr. Redwood shares the journey behind her powerful book White Women Cry and Call Me Angry, a memoir that speaks directly to Black women navigating racism in philanthropic spaces. From...
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009: Surviving Cancer & Leading with Love, with Edward Jones
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What does it mean to lead with courage, stay mission-driven, and institutionalize love in philanthropy? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Edward Jones, Vice President of Programs and Philanthropic Advising Services at ABFE – A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities. Edward shares his journey from a temporary role in philanthropy to becoming one of the sector’s most respected voices. He opens up about surviving stage four prostate cancer and how that experience deepened his commitment to justice, community, and...
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008: On Moving $150m+, Community Mobilizing, and Faith, with Jason Garrett
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What does it mean to lead with faith, bridge divides, and build belonging in philanthropy? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Jason Garrett, Senior Vice President of Faith, Bridging, and Belonging at the Freedom Together Foundation. Jason shares his journey from Wall Street to Harvard Divinity School, from community organizing to leading one of the most innovative philanthropic portfolios in the country. With deep insight and humility, he reflects on the spiritual and strategic dimensions of giving, the challenge of saying...
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007: Golden Handcuffs & Sacred Callings, with Yvonne Moore
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What does it mean to be called to philanthropy “for such a time as this”? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Yvonne Moore—strategist, founder of Moore Philanthropy, and truth-teller in the sector—to explore the tension between comfort and courage in Black philanthropy. Yvonne opens up about the “golden handcuffs” that keep many professionals from taking bold action, the ancestral legacy that fuels her work, and why she believes philanthropy must be more than a job—it must be a calling. With honesty, wisdom, and...
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006: From Teacher to Foundation President by 34, with Jason Terrell
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
What does it mean to lead a foundation while honoring your calling, your family, your hair, and your roots? In this episode of "Black Philanthropy: Our Stories," host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Jason Terrell, President of the Dobbs Foundation, former educator, and co-founder of Profound Gentlemen. Jason shares his deeply personal journey from teaching middle school English to leading one of Georgia’s most historic philanthropic institutions. Jason reflects on how his upbringing, faith, and family shaped his path. From co-launching a nonprofit with $90,000 in seed funding...
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005: Quitting a DOUBLE LIFE, the DJ in philanthropy with Steve Vassor
Black Philanthropy: Our Stories
How can you bring your full self into philanthropy—beats, values, and all? In this episode of “Black Philanthropy: Our Stories,” host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, award-winning writer-director, sits down with Steve Vassor, a philanthropic strategist, DJ, and systems thinker whose unconventional path through music, activism, and nonprofit leadership has reshaped how he approaches philanthropy. From spinning records to shifting systems, Steve shares how his Haitian roots, creative lineage, and deep commitment to community have guided his journey. He opens up about the power of...
info_outlineHow can small nonprofits build sustainable revenue, access philanthropic data, and stay rooted in community? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Francesca Axam Frederick, a fundraiser, strategist, and tech entrepreneur whose journey from dance to data is reshaping how grassroots organizations engage with philanthropy.
Francesca shares how her early experiences in the arts led her to fundraising, why she transitioned into human services, and how she and her husband launched Grantyd, a tech platform designed to support small nonprofits with grant research, data visualization, and equity-centered tools. She opens up about the emotional toll of fundraising as a Black woman, the importance of relationship-building, and why she believes access to information is a form of justice.
This episode is a masterclass in equity-driven innovation and a call to action for fundraisers, nonprofit leaders, and anyone committed to transforming philanthropy from the ground up.
Subscribe on Apple, YouTube, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Francesca’s journey from contemporary dancer to fundraiser
- Why she left performance for community-centered work
- The founding story of Grantyd and its mission to support grassroots nonprofits
- How data access and visualization can empower small organizations
- The emotional realities of fundraising in predominantly white donor spaces
- Why sustainable revenue models matter more than quick wins
- How hope and legacy fuel her work
Skills and Tips You’ll Learn:
- How to build relationships with funders beyond the ask
- Why “no” in fundraising often means “not right now”
- How to use data to drive strategy and storytelling
- Tips for small nonprofits to diversify revenue and avoid burnout
- How to navigate power dynamics and stay mission-aligned
- Why tech and equity must go hand in hand
About Francesca Axam Frederick:
Francesca Axam Frederick is the CEO and co-founder of Grantyd, a subscription-based platform that helps small nonprofits access philanthropic data and streamline grant writing. With a background in arts and human services fundraising, Francesca has worked with organizations like Covenant House Georgia, Atlanta Ballet, and Clark Atlanta University.
Her work centers equity, access, and sustainability for grassroots organizations. Francesca is passionate about helping nonprofits visualize their data, build relationships with funders, and create long-term impact in their communities.
Connect on:
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-axam-frederick/
Instagram: @frankie_francesca
Website: www.Grantyd.com
About the Host – Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv:
Michelle Renee Jackson is an award-winning storyteller and leader in philanthropy. She is the Founder and Principal Artist of Simuel + Murray, a production company named after her grandmothers’ maiden names, with bases in New York and Los Angeles. Michelle’s work has helped organizations secure their largest gifts through compelling visual storytelling. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered keynotes at Harvard, Yale, Hulu, and Georgetown.
Connect on:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michellereneejackson/
Instagram: @michelle.renee.jackson
Website: www.michellereneejackson.com
Podcast Pages:
Website: https://www.simuel-murray.com/podcast-black-philanthropy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/black-philanthropy-our-stories-the-podcast
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Produced by Simuel + Murray
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organizations they are affiliated with or employed by. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult your own legal or financial professional for guidance specific to your situation.