Exploring the World of Philanthropy: Making a Meaningful Impact Through Giving

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen

In an era where philanthropy is rapidly evolving—spanning from billion-dollar foundations to viral crowdfunding and crypto donations—how can we ensure our giving actually makes a difference?

This episode of Inspired Money brings together an expert panel of changemakers to reveal how generosity can be smarter, more inclusive, and more impactful.

Whether you're a business leader aligning profit with purpose, a non-profit professional seeking fresh strategies, or someone passionate about making a difference, this discussion spotlights actionable ways to maximize your impact.

Meet the Expert Panelists

Jacob Harold is a social change strategist and author of The Toolbox: Strategies for Crafting Social Impact. He is the former President & CEO of GuideStar, co-founder of Candid and Project Starling, a Planetary Fellow at the Berggruen Institute, and Senior Advisor at Rewiring America, with a career spanning philanthropy, nonprofit innovation, and climate advocacy.

www.craftingimpact.org

Jamie Minden is the Executive Director at Zero Hour, a youth-led climate justice organization mobilizing communities to take action against the climate crisis. A seasoned organizer since age 13, she has led efforts with Sunrise Movement Silicon Valley, Fridays For Future D.C., and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, bringing powerful grassroots strategy and storytelling shaped by her firsthand experience with California’s climate disasters.

https://thisiszerohour.org

Bruno Fierens is a fifth-generation member of a wealthy Belgian family and the first Belgian member of Millionaires for Humanity, an organization advocating for fairer taxation and a more just global system. Reflecting on issues like sustainability, the fight against poverty, his privileged position in society and his experiences with philanthropy, kept leading him to the same conclusion: “if someone like me is really serious about changing things for the better, fairer taxation is the core issue to act on”. He is a media trainer and former spokesperson based in Brussels and holds master’s degrees in political science and communication.

www.brunofierensmediatraining.be
https://millionairesforhumanity.org

Key Highlights

1. Philanthropy: More Than Writing Checks

Jacob Harold emphasizes that strategic philanthropy requires more than reacting to symptoms; it’s about “thinking structures, long-term impact, and tapping into a toolbox of solutions—from data to community organizing to storytelling.” He challenges us to ask: Are we using all the tools available, and are we learning as we give?

2. Tackling Systemic Issues Over Band-Aid Solutions

Bruno Fierens shares his journey—including tangible success and frustration—supporting homeless initiatives in Brussels. His perspective: “Philanthropy is amazing and needed, but it’s almost always going to work on symptoms—not enough on structural issues.” Bruno argues for systemic approaches like fair taxation alongside charitable giving.

3. Youth-Driven Action for Climate Solutions

Jamie Minden highlights how today’s young leaders, born into the climate crisis, are pushing philanthropy toward supporting community-driven and policy-level change. She shares, “Investing in grassroots organizations addressing policy and social change right now is vital if we want to turn the tide on climate.”

4. The Power—and Perils—of Modern Giving Platforms

Panelists discuss the transformative role of technology: from social media amplifying grassroots movements to the promise (and pitfalls) of AI and blockchain in making data-driven giving decisions. Caution is raised to prioritize ethical philanthropy that elevates community needs over donor preferences, to avoid what’s described as “philanthropic colonialism.”

Call-to-Action

🎯 So here’s your one assignment for the week. Take 20 minutes to reflect on your current giving—whether it’s time, money, or talent—and ask yourself: Is this aligned with the change I want to see in the world? Then, take one small action to move closer to that alignment. It could be researching an organization, signing up for a volunteer shift, or even having a conversation about wealth, fairness, or climate justice with someone in your circle.

Small steps create big ripples.

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Andy Wang, Host/Producer of Inspired Money