Give - A Philanthropy Podcast

In Touch Avani, Annaiya, Torani, and Divya On this episode of the GIVE podcast, we are speaking to four young ladies that have started their own nonprofit that is tackling teen mental health. So today I am chatting with Avani, Annaiya, Torani, and Divya.  They are the founders of In Touch, a teenage mental health nonprofit that is run out of California.  Mental health is a large issue for teenagers at the moment and In Touch is working to provide free resources and destroy the stigma surrounding mental health issues. In Touch provides a survey to teens that matches them with the resources they need, including counseling, peer support groups, and even hotlines.  They are working closely with their local high schools to help provide what kids need to help them heal from the wounds of mental health.  In Touch is also organizing virtual workshops to help during the time of this pandemic to promote healing while still social distancing. Communication is the key to mental health and these ladies are breaking down every door that they see to make sure everyone knows that mental health issues are not shameful- and they can be treated.    Different demographics have different views on mental health and In Touch is working hard to make sure to reach out to every group of teens to get them the knowledge that they need. How to help In Touch: Volunteer Spread the word on Instagram Sign up for their newsletter and share the information   Be inspired. GIVE.   How to reach In Touch Website | Instagram   Read the full transcription of this episode by clicking here. 

Jesse Lewis Choose Love Scarlett Lewis In this episode of the GIVE podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Scarlett Lewis of the Choose Love Movement.  Scarlett is an incredible woman with a heartbreaking story.  When her son, Jesse Lewis, lost his life in the Sandy Hook mass shooting, Scarlett’s life was changed forever- he was just six years old. Guided by his life and his legacy, Scarlet lives every day to deliver a compassionate curriculum into schools everywhere. The Choose Love movement has created a new program, offered for free, to help schools, homes, and communities to help teach students of all ages how to have healthy relationships,  meaningful connections, and how to self-regulate and manage our emotions.  They believe that being able to grow through difficulty and still being able to make responsible decisions is an important life lesson that so many are lacking currently. The program is actually modeled after a course to help returning soldiers integrate back into civilian life.  Many kids are having to face trauma, both emotionally and sometimes even physically - so this program focuses on positive psychology trauma techniques that will help these kids develop the mental clarity to express themselves.   How to get involved with the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement: Visit the website and spread the word about the free resources. Follow on social media Donate   Be inspired. GIVE.   You can connect with the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement here: Website | Instagram | Facebook   Read the entire transcript of the episode here. 

Variety- The Children’s Charity Debbie Dodge On today’s episode of the GIVE podcast, we are happy to welcome Debbie Dodge from Variety- The Children’s Charity.  Variety’s Freedom Program delivers vital life-changing equipment and services for mobility, independence and social inclusion to individual children and children’s organizations. Through the Freedom program, Variety changes children’s lives by granting items and services that provide independence, mobility and freedom. Variety’s Future Program delivers crucial life-enriching communication equipment and services, education and self-esteem to individual children and children’s organizations. Through the Future program they enrich children’s lives by granting items and services that provide communication, education and self-esteem.  Variety- The Children’s Charity is currently in 13 different countries and has multiple chapters throughout each one.  They help kids with mobility issues, children that are in the third world or developing countries.  Variety also helps with medicine. They do everything they can for kids just so that they can have a fair shot at life   Ways you can get involved with Variety- The Children’s Charity: Volunteer Donate Connect on social media   Be inspired. GIVE.   How to connect with Variety- The Children’s Charity  Website | Facebook | Twitter   Click here to read a full transcript of this episode. 

Annie E Casey Foundation Amoretta Morris  On this episode of the Give podcast, host Shannon Maganzein welcomes two members of the Annie E Casey Foundation to let us know a little about the work that they do.  The Annie E. Casey Foundation is a private philanthropy foundation that creates a brighter future for the nation's children by developing solutions to strengthen families, build paths to economic opportunity and transform struggling communities into safer and healthier places to live, work and grow.   Today we are speaking with Amoretta Morris who is the director of national community strategies for the Annie E. Casey Foundation. She lives in Washington DC, and she leads the foundation's national community change strategies. She has more than a decade of experience shaping policies and programs to improve the lives of youth and families.   As a foundation, they also are ones that are really committed to racial equity, and in this moment,  the country has embraced many challenging conversations. Some of these are about how to bring equity to communities, and what it looks like to be able to do the work differently and approach issues differently for everyone. They seek to look at everything that we do with an equity lens.     How can you get involved with the Annie E Casey Foundation? Spread the word on Social Media Subscribe to the blog Donate Volunteer   Be inspired. GIVE.   Find Annie E Casey Foundation here Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook   For a full transcription of the episode, click here. 

Both Ends Believing Mark Schwartz Today on the GIVE podcast we are thrilled to welcome Mark Schwartz, the president of Both Ends Believing.  Both Ends Believing is a nonprofit that uses technology to create a digital identity for children around the globe- so they have a better chance at adoption, instead of aging out of the foster care system.  Millions of children are hidden behind the walls of institutions and orphanages. The primary reason is simply that countries lack the digital infrastructure that creates visibility into who and where they are. Without a digital identity, institutionalized children face a bleak future. The best place for a child is always with a loving family unit and Both Ends Believing uses technology to help them find those family units. Both Ends Believing works to capture comprehensive digital profiles of children through Children First Sofware, a technology-driven advocate designed to identify a child’s best opportunity for family-based care. Partnering with countries around the world, we transform the process to move children to their best future, a chance to grow and flourish in a loving family. How can you get involved with Both Ends Believing: Donate Spread the word through social media Raise awareness Be inspired. GIVE. Find Both Ends Believing here: Website | Facebook | Instagram Read the full transcript of this episode here.

Beulah’s Safe Haven Tanya Barns Today on the GIVE podcast we are thrilled to welcome Tanya Barns from Beulah’s Safe Haven.  This is a nonprofit that is located in Shreveport, Louisiana.  Beulah’s Safe Haven is an amazing resource for girls that are aging out of the foster care system.  Girls who are in foster care as teens are potentially facing issues such as homelessness, poor relationships, and potentially human trafficking.  Even though these girls may technically be adults, they struggle mentally because many of them have not had the chance to develop life skills that normal teenagers take for granted. These girls have had so many traumas happen to them in their young lives that sometimes they simply need a chance to breathe and take their time moving on to the next step of adulthood.  Beulah’s Safe Haven does its best to provide that service. Beulah’s Safe Haven helps these girls find jobs, know how to cook, learn finances, and take care of their mental health.  Beulah's Safe Haven is here to try to help them along, give them a little more time to develop so that when they get ready to leave here, then they're on the road to success. How to get involved with Beulah’s Safe Haven: Donate Share the story on social media Interact with their social media Be inspired. GIVE. Find Beulah’s Safe Haven here: Website | Instagram | Facebook Read the entire transcript of the interview here. 

Operation Not Alone Susan Fochs On today’s episode of the GIVE podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Susan Fochs, the founder of Operation Not Alone.  Susan started this nonprofit when she was18 years old.  She felt compelled to take charge and make a difference in the lives of servicemen and women.  Her journey was inspired by her father, who served in the US Marine Corps and is now permanently disabled.  She’s made it her mission to create an organization that exists in the hope that no one feels alone both during and after their deployment. Operation Not Alone sends care packages, cheer packages, and participates in nursing home visits. To this day, they have sent over a thousand packages and that number continues to grow!  They work hard with the families of deployed service people to make sure that the packages are something that brings joy to each person that receives them. Operation Not Alone aspires to empower community members to make a positive change by taking part in our programming and saying, ‘thank you for your service’ in a variety of ways. They want every man and woman in uniform to know that, no matter what they are facing, they are never alone and they will never be forgotten for their dedication, sacrifice, and service. How you can get involved with Operation Not Alone: Donate Purchase Operation Not Alone merchandise on their website Spread the word and follow them on social media   Be inspired. GIVE. How to find Operation Not Alone Website | Facebook | Instagram Read the full transcript of this episode here.

Urban Blooms Tyler Wolf For today’s episode of the GIVE podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Tyler Wolf to the show.  Tyler is the founder, executive director, and Living Wall designer for Urban Blooms.  This nonprofit mixes engineering, science, art, and plants to create green spaces in urban environments that otherwise might not see these types of plants. The living walls are carefully designed with each community in mind.  They use hydroponics and engineering to make sure that they can be enjoyed for years to come. Urban Blooms has done these wall installations all over the country and has, in the process, brought nature and fostered a one-on-one connection and inspiration that can be drawn from viewing these. Urban Blooms is able to install these living walls through grants, donations, and working directly with the cities themselves.  They try to build them next to schools and in underserved neighborhoods to inspire the next generation into thinking about all that can be accomplished with art, engineering, and botany.  How to get involved with Urban Blooms: Volunteer Donate Spread the word on social media   Be inspired. GIVE. Website | Instagram To read a full transcript of this episode, click here.    

Sunshine After the Storm Alexa Bigwarfe On today’s episode of the GIVE podcast we are thrilled to welcome Alexa Bigwarfe, the creator of the Sunshine After the Storm nonprofit.  Sunshine After the Storm is a nonprofit to support women who have lost children in utero or shortly thereafter. As with most nonprofits, it started to help fill a void that the creator never anticipated on seeing.  Alexa’s journey into nonprofits began with the tragic loss of one of her twin babies.  As she was going through the grieving process she started blogging to work through some of these feelings that she had and bringing awareness to the horrific realities that women in Alexa’s place are going through.  Blogging turned into writing a book.  When she was writing the book- she realized that she did not want grieving mothers to have to pay for it- so she sent them the book and a small care package for free. This gave her the idea to create the nonprofit, so she could help more and more moms and dads who are going through this difficult time. How you can help Sunshine After the Storm: Purchase an item from their Amazon wish list Donate Spread the word and follow them on social media   Be inspired. GIVE. Instagram | Facebook | Website Read the full transcription for this episode here.

Quantum Foundation Randy Scheid Today on the GIVE podcast we are speaking with Randy Scheid of the Quantum Foundation.  The Quantum Foundation is not like the typical non-profit we feature on the Give Podcast.  They are a grant-making foundation whose mission is to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health of communities. The Quantum Foundations works to promote change by driving action and working with others to find solutions.  They take strategic risks with their resources and make bold decisions in the fulfillment of our vision & mission.  They provide regular grants organizations and community level grants.  You can visit their website for more information about their programs. Some of the long-term missions they are working on include building a healthcare workforce.  Behavioral healthcare workers and mid-level nurses are needed in many communities and so they are supporting the pipeline that leads young adults into those sorely needed careers.  They are also working on initiatives create stronger communities and develop the field of telehealth. Listen today and learn more about this incredible organization - and stay tuned for part 2 of this episode!   Ways to get involved with Quantum Foundation Volunteer in your local community Support local organizations Spread the word + share this episode   Be inspired. GIVE.   Where to find Quantum Foundation Website | Facebook | Twitter   Read the full transcription of this episode here.

Steps Foundation Abigail Ellis Today on the GIVE podcast we are speaking Abigail Ellis of Steps Foundation, an amazing organization that focuses on empowerment and community for youth and young adults. They provide mentoring, family engagement, and life skills programs at no cost to the community to create a brighter future for youth in the community. In the age of technology, family engagement has become a challenge.  Parents aren’t sure how to have difficult conversations and children can become socially disadvantaged from a focus on devices instead of true engagement.  Steps Foundation provides engagement opportunities to families and youth to help facilitate difficult conversations and foster a community that have the strong social skills that they need to be successful. Steps Foundation also provides much-needed Life Skills programs.  This includes simple things such as resume writing, understanding finances and credit, and other things that are often overlooked by parents who lack the time or even the understanding themselves that is needed to educate their children.  Ready to get involved?  Here’s how you can help: Ways to get involved with Steps Foundation Sponsor a student for the year Cover workshop costs Volunteer Be inspired. GIVE.   Where to find Steps Foundation Website | Facebook | Instagram   Read the full transcription of this episode here.

Rockfish Wildlife Sarah Cooperman Today on the GIVE podcast we are speaking with Sarah Cooperman of Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary.  Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Virginia and its mission is to educate the public on how to properly and safely co-exist with wildlife in their area and also what to do if you encounter wildlife - injured or not.  They also rehabilitate and rescue animals in their area who are injured or trapped. Human-wildlife conflict is the primary reason that organizations like Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary are needed around the country.  The result of human-wildlife conflict is typically habitat destruction, which can even take place in your backyard.  In nearly all cases, the suffering that results falls upon the animal, not the human.  The fact is, every animal plays a critical role in our ecosystem, and it’s our job as good stewards of the environment to protect the animals in the spaces that we’re moving into.  Animals provide free ecosystem services to the world for their entire lives.  For example, bats provide free pest control and reduce the need for harmful pesticides and creatures like vultures help keep the environment clean.  Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission is simple:  rescue - rehab - release.  If you are in need of wildlife services, use Google to find your local wildlife organization to help assist you with the issue. Ways to get involved with Rockfish Wildlife Donate financially Volunteer (you get to feed animals if you’re local!) Amazon Wishlist on website Be inspired. GIVE.   Where to find Rockfish Wildlife Website | Facebook | Instagram   Read the full transcription of this episode here.

Science Connected Kate Stone Today on the GIVE podcast we are speaking Kate Stone, founder, and CEO of Science Connected.  Science Connected was created to help make learning about science accessible to everyone, regardless of your economic or social background.  They believe that education is critical in making informed choices, being successful members of society, and acting as responsible stewards of the planet. The fact is, access to education is simply not equal across the board.  Poorer communities lack resources to foster learning and the learning materials that they need to educate.  This results in students choosing not to continue on to college or those that do continue on choose not to pursue an education in the STEM areas.  With jobs in these areas exploding as technology improves, this results in a lack of educated adults available to take these often high paying and high demand jobs. Science Connected provides all different types of educational material on their website - both for free and for a small fee.  These resources include books, PDFs, and fun science experiments for children.  In the wake of the current pandemic, these materials are now being requested from Science Connected by not only educators but also parents who are looking for ways to educate their children at home. Your donations help to fuel the development of these vital resources for everyone. Ways to get involved with Science Connected Donate - every donation helps! Buy the publications Share the magazine + resources   Be inspired. GIVE.   Where to find Science Connected: Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube   Read the full transcription of this episode here.  

Enventure Enterprises Aneri Pradhan Today on the GIVE podcast we are speaking Aneri Pradhan the founder of Enventure Enterprises, which recently went through an exciting transition.  It merged with New Energy Nexus, which is a much larger nonprofit- and they are now functioning as a very robust program of New Energy Nexus.  Enventure is working hard to bring energy to the people of Uganda, with a staggering 85% of the people having limited access to electricity- this program is sorely needed.  Access to electricity is something that many people on the planet take for granted.  Enventure is working with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), to help provide solutions to the most urgent energy needs.  These solutions include lighting solutions, solar home systems, improved cookstoves, and water filters.  These seemingly small things have a huge impact on not only the people of Uganda but the local ecosystem as well.   Enventure is providing hope for the people of Uganda to live longer and healthier lives.  The CBO’s that they work with are all locally owned, and invest any profits into their own community for welfare activities. These pocket entrepreneurs are the future of Uganda, and help pave the way for other small businesses.  Ways to get involved with Enventure Volunteer Donate Spread the word Be inspired. GIVE. Where to find Enventur Website Read the full transcription of this episode here.

Central Florida Foundation Nicole Donaldson Today on the Give podcast we are speaking with Nicole Donaldson, the Vice President of Philanthropy at the Central Florida Foundation. Central Florida Foundation believes in the power of philanthropy and that thoughtful strategy, combined with a generous community, makes Central Florida a place where everyone feels at home. The Foundation works with families focused on giving back, nonprofits, and across public and private sectors to bring philanthropy to life. Central Florida Foundations believes that as a community foundation, you can connect across the different sectors, you can play a vital role in ensuring that you have both the public sector, the private sector, and the independent sector, all around the table and not many people can bring those groups together in such a neutral way.  One of the things that the Central Florida Foundation has been able to be a part of in the community is focusing on homelessness.  They are currently working with several different organizations to actually move the needle on chronic homelessness, rather than only provide the immediate needs of food and shelter.  The Central Florida Foundation provides support in many forms- all of which are meant to bring the community closer together and help tackle issues from a multifaceted approach, rather than a single mind.   Ways to get involved with The Central Florida Foundation Donate Volunteer Be inspired. GIVE. Where to find The Central Florida Foundation Website Read the full transcript of the interview here. 

Hillside Wellness Center Dr. Irene Yaymadjian Today on the GIVE podcast we are speaking with Dr. Irene Yaymadjian from the Hillside Wellness Center in California.  Hillside Wellness has three different programs that help people in need.  They currently have a postpartum program, an LGBTQ TIA program, and a cancer patient caretakers support group.  These three programs provide support to people who are struggling to connect to others by offering licensed therapy and group counseling sessions. Postpartum depression is a common issue that no one likes to talk about.  Women typically are embarrassed to get help- because they feel like this disconnect between themselves and the world around them from not being able to be happy with their situation, when society is telling them they should be thrilled.  The Hillside Wellness Center takes these new moms under their wing and make sure they get the healing that they need. Hillside Wellness is there for the entire community.  They are located in San Fernando Valley in California - but as long as patients are willing to come to them, they will make sure they get the help they need.  Anyone can walk into their facility and get the help they need without the steep price tags that are usually associated with therapy.  The patient pays what they can afford.   Ways to get involved with Hillside Wellness Center Volunteer Donate Spread the word Be inspired. GIVE. Where to find Hillside Wellness Center Website Read the full transcription of this episode her

Seed Consulting Group Brooke Crowe Today on the GIVE Podcast we have Brooke Crowe, the Executive Director and CEO of the Seed Consulting group.  This group is a little bit different from the guests we usually have on this show- but no less amazing.  The Seed Consulting group fills in the professional services gap for sustainability non-profits.  They provide professional services from a network of pro-bono providers that are some of the top people in their respective careers.   The Seed Consulting group has worked with groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Surfrider Foundation, US Green Chambers of Commerce, Sierra Club, UCLA, and Caltech. With the Sierra Club, they provided data and analytics to help pass Proposition 67 that was for banning the use of single-use plastic bags in the state of California. They work hard to bring together individuals who have key expertise to help really amplify whatever an organization can do for our country as a whole. The unique aspect of the Seed Consulting group is that donations are amplified so much more.  The projects they take on typically cost around $500 - but the amount of revenue that they generate for the non-profits they work for is in the thousands.  The professionals themselves, who donate their time and expertise, become more marketable in their own fields.   How to get involved with Seed Consulting If you live near Orange County or San Francisco - volunteer Donate Spread the word Be inspired. GIVE. How to find Seed Consulting Website Read the full transcription of the episode here. 

The Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley Sue Page Today we are speaking with Sue Page from The Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley.  Sue is the executive director of this incredibly important nonprofit in Los Angeles, California.  The Children’s Center was founded over 30 years ago to become a safe space for child abuse victims.  Since that time, this organization has evolved to help provide counseling, therapy, legal, and administrative services to kids in need in this area. The Children’s Center is fighting an uphill battle.  Los Angeles has 30% of the entire nation's foster care children.  They are experts in treating victims of child abuse and have since expanded their services to help with prevention as well.  They make it a point to not stop services when the children reach the age of 18, so they have more of a chance of entering adulthood successfully. The Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley is a multifaceted organization that currently could use a lot of help.  They never turn a child in need away and work tirelessly to provide kids and young adults with the resources they need to lead a happy life, outside of the system. How can you help? Donate Listen to kids when they reach out and say something is wrong Volunteer Be inspired.  GIVE Where to find The Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley Website  | Facebook  Full transcription can be found here.

Voices For Children Tampa Bay Jennifer Starr Today on the GIVE podcast we are speaking with Jennifer Starr, who is from the Voices For Children of Tampa Bay.  This organization works with foster kids in the Tampa Bay, Florida area to make sure they not only have the things that they need- but the care that they deserve.  Many children enter the foster care system with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and the Voices For Children of Tampa Bay works to make sure they have everything they need, from undergarments to backpacks and school supplies.   The other facet of this organization is its courthouse dog program.  These kids, when they enter foster care, not only have to deal with a completely new living situation- they have to testify in court as well.  This can be a challenge for anyone, let alone a child.  The Voices For Children in Tampa organization is currently helping provide for around 2000 kids in just one county in Florida.  They have committed themselves to be the constant in foster kid’s lives.  From homecoming tickets to stuffed bears- they do their best to meet the needs of all the kids that enter the foster program.  How to get involved Donate Volunteer Follow and share to spread the word on social media Be inspired. GIVE. Where to find Voices For Children Tampa Bay Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Full episode transcription can be found here.

The Wooden Floor Dawn Reese Today on the GIVE podcast we are excited to chat with Dawn Reese, the CEO of the Wooden Floor.  The Wooden Floor is an afterschool nonprofit that serves young people from low-income communities through the power of dance.  The ultimate goal of this nonprofit is to break the cycle of poverty through generational change.  The kids that they serve are about 98% Latino and come from impoverished families in Orange County, CA.  The Wooden Floor isn’t just after-school dance classes.  They are with the kids in the program for 10 years.  All the way to college.  This organization not only teaches dance but tutors academics, teaches social skills, and helps the kids get into college.  Participants in the Wooden Floor have a staggering 100% acceptance rate to get into college.  The Wooden Floor works with the community to give these kids the best shot they can to break the cycle of poverty in poor families. The Wooden Floor is located in Orange County, CA- but recently opened a sister organization that does the same thing in Washington DC.  They currently have 475 children involved in their program in the two cities and hope to expand their reach.  This nonprofit is almost entirely funded by private donations and does an excellent job planning for the future of their organization and the kids’ future.   Here is how you can get involved: Donate Volunteer Spread the word on social media Be inspired.  GIVE. Here is how to find The Wooden Floor Website | Instagram | Facebook Full episode transcription can be found here.

Chasin A Dream Foundation Vivien McLean-Bunce Today we are thrilled to welcome to the show Vivien McLean-Bunce.  She is the treasurer who started out as a volunteer for the Chasin A Dream Foundation.  This Foundation works with children who have become sick and they offer life-changing support and resources to the families of children who are battling cancer, cystic fibrosis, or any other life-threatening illnesses.  In this podcast, Vivien explains why there is a critical need for help for families that may not have the resources to get these little warriors everything they need as far as recovery, comfort,and treatments.  They have provided many different types of services to these kids.  Each child and their family have individual needs, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all program.   Chasin A Dream fulfills needs that most parents can’t even comprehend until the situation is upon them.  This organization gives the kids a sense of normalcy, with a rock-solid support system through volunteers, and other community support.  They provide whatever each individual child’s needs are and make sure that the parents are taken care of.       How can you get involved? Donate Volunteer Spread the word Be inspired. GIVE. Where to find Chasin A Dream Website | Instagram | Facebook | Vivien’s email Full episode transcription can be found here.

Buckner International Albert Reyes Today on the GIVE podcast we are happy to chat with Albert Reyes of Buckner International.  Buckner International is an international organization focused on offering ministry-based services to vulnerable children in six different countries, including the United States.  In the United States, Buckner International works closely with the Department of Family Protective Services to make sure that these kids have a safe place to land after being separated from their parents or guardians in unsafe or unhealthy situations.   Buckner International is providing various services in different countries and are one of the only charitable groups working on prevention of abuse and abandonment, rather than just the after-effects.  This stemmed from a program that has been extremely successful in Guatemala City over 12 years ago.  They provide coaching, counseling, and help to families that are struggling with their children.  And that is just the first step of the process.  What Buckner International has done is truly amazing work.   In this podcast, Albert goes into all the different ways there are to get involved with Buckner International.  Getting involved can mean buying an extra pair of shoes all the way to becoming a legacy donor.  There are so many ways to get involved and help this multi-faceted organization.  How can you get involved? Donate remotely Volunteer in person Donate a pair of shoes Spread the word Be inspired. GIVE. Where to find Buckner International Website | Instagram | Facebook Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

The Maji Safi Group Bruce Maj Pelz Today we are speaking with Bruce Maj Pelz, cofounder of the Maji Safi group.  The Maji Safi group works with the people of Tanzania to educate impoverished and vulnerable populations about how to prevent disease and improve their health. The Maji Safi group focuses on the gap between treatment and actual prevention.  They work in the communities, for the communities. In this podcast, Bruce explains why there is a critical need for education surrounding health and hygiene.  Only one in three people in their sector have access to a toilet and access to clean drinking water.  Another subject that the Maji Safi group educates is menstrual hygiene management.  Menstrual hygiene is a massive barrier to girls completing their education and the Maji Safi group would like to change that. Maji Safi means clean water in Swahili.  This is what this organization is all about.  Education isn’t always as flashy as building a new well or a water pump- but education will last for generations. Maji Sofi has done an excellent job working with what they have and teaching the people how to better care for themselves.  They not only educate inside of the schools, but they educate the adults in the villages as well.  How can you get involved? Donate Follow Maji Safi on social media Spread the word Be inspired. GIVE. Where to find Maji Safi Website | Instagram | Facebook See the full transcript here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Guardian Ad Litem Foundation Alan Abramowitz Today on GIVE, we are excited to bring you Alan Abramowitz, who runs the Guardian Ad Litem Foundation in Florida.  The Guardian Ad Litem Foundation is a state-run and volunteer-operated nonprofit. This program acts as the guardian and advocate of children who have been removed from their homes and placed within the foster care system or in relative care.  The volunteers speak only for the child, in the best interests of the child. The Foundation supplies what often gets overlooked.  If there is a specific need, they make sure it gets taken care of.  These needs can range from support dogs to tattoo removal, as well as making sure that the kids who age out of the foster system have support and other essentials when they move out into adult life on their own.  The Guardian Ad Litem Foundation is a phenomenal resource to help kids who have no one else speaking for them.  The Foundation works with several other charities across the state of Florida to make sure the kids get the support they need. The need for this service is overwhelming.  There were over 38,000 kids in the foster care system under court jurisdiction independency just last year.  How can you get involved? Volunteer Donate Spread the word Be inspired.  GIVE. Where to find the Guardian Ad Litem Foundation Website | Facebook Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

The Black Organizing Project Jessica Black Today we are honored to welcome Jessica Black, the Organizing Director of Black Organizing Project.  The Black Organizing Project reaches across generations to shed light on Black and Brown children’s experience with police officers being stationed in and around the schools in Oakland, California.  They are working towards an environment where supportive adults the are the authority figures in the school, rather than police officers. The Black Organization Project is focused on providing a safe environment in schools, with parental involvement, that gives kids the best possible chance at a well-rounded education.  The program, called The Bettering Our School System, has already seen success in the Oakland Unified School District.  Its focus is on both investing in alternative models of school safety that do not rely on the police and ending the criminalization of Black and Brown students by the police officers that work there.  The Black Organization Project is an amazing resource to help the kids in Oakland grow without the stress and trauma of having police officers stationed in their schools.  Kids thrive in an environment that they feel safe in and, reportedly, officers in schools does not make them feel safe.  How can you get involved? Visit social media to participate in current campaigns and goals Check out their website for People’s Pledge Donate Look into what you can do locally and support grassroots organization Be inspired. GIVE. Find The Black Organizing Project here: Website | Facebook | Instagram Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast  

Brilliant Detroit Cindy Eggleton Today on the GIVE Podcast we are thrilled to welcome Cindy Eggleton, the co-founder, and CEO of Brilliant Detroit.  Brilliant Detroit is a community impact organization that has helped over 6500 people since it was founded four years ago.  It is a unique and unbelievably successful nonprofit that operates (for the moment) exclusively in 4 of Detroit’s neighborhoods. Detroit has faced incredible hardships over the years.  The people who live there, and the children who grow up there are statistically tested lower than the average American city.  Brilliant Detroit is focused on building the communities in Detroit to help sustain not just individual growth, but everyone that lives there.  Once Brilliant Detroit comes into the neighborhood, they are there to stay and help everyone there. Brilliant Detroit is working to change the fundamentals of these communities and work with them to empower change within themselves.  They purchase run-down houses within the neighborhood and turn them into thriving community centers.  From nightly dinners to GED classes, their reach is anything but narrow.  If you’re looking to get involved, we have options for you below. How can you get involved? Local volunteers Virtual tutors Financial donations Be inspired. GIVE. Where to find Brilliant Detroit Website | Facebook | Instagram Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Ruban Roberts President of the Miami Dade County of the NAACP Today we are honored to speak with Ruban Roberts, President of the Miami Dade County chapter of NAACP.  The NAACP, as an organization, is well known in the United States to be the defender of those who have suffered civil rights violations.  The NAACP works within communities to defend the liberty and justice for all. In this podcast, Ruban leads us in a fascinating and informative conversation that spans across not only the current events of today but all the way back to when the NAACP was founded over 100 years ago.  As an organization, the NAACP is working towards police reform, Get Out And Vote campaigns, and tirelessly defending those whose voices don’t often get heard.  Ruban and the NAACP are providing the people of Miami Dade County with resources they need when their civil rights are violated. The NAACP is a phenomenal resource to help anyone defend their civil rights.  They are always willing to listen, provide guidance, and take on new projects.  The NAACP was founded in 1909 and is still going strong today.  If you are interested in being an ally, or how to help- the NAACP is an excellent resource to guide you. How can you get involved? Spread the word through social media Donate Volunteer at your local branch Be inspired. GIVE. Where to find the Miami Dade Chapter of the NAACP Website | Facebook | Instagram Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

The Joy of Membership  Joy Duling Today we are honored to welcome expert thought leader and founder of The Joy of Membership, Joy Duling. All nonprofits and organizations aim to gather a community around what they are trying to accomplish or solve - that is where Joy’s expertise comes in. The Joy of Membership works alongside nonprofits, organizations and trade groups to create innovative membership design and experience in order to take as many people as possible, on a unique journey. Over the years Joy has served in almost every possible role that you can have as a nonprofit, including a volunteer, committee chair, program manager and executive director for 10 years. Her extensive involvement in the nonprofit and service realm have given her deep insight into the importance of membership support and experience design. The Joy of Membership helps membership based organizations to reach goals faster through the curation of unique growth paths that lead more people to the “summit” or the nonprofits goal.  The Joy of Membership is a phenomenal resource to help mission-focused, membership-based organizations take on exciting new projects and grow their community of supporters and advocates. The Joy of Membership has been successfully helping clients since 2005. Check out her website below for valuable workshops to help scale your nonprofit!  How can you get involved? Join a Workshop  Schedule a Consultation Spread the Word Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find The Joy of Membership Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast  

Friends of Puerto Rico  Angelique Sina and Natalia Delgado  Today on the #GIVEPodcast , we are excited to introduce two very inspirational women, Angelique Sina and Natalie Delgado of Friends of Puerto Rico. Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for others, this nonprofit is a social impact organization headquartered in Washington, DC, that is focused on mobilizing a network of partners to create economic opportunities for the people of Puerto Rico.  Puerto Rico has faced many hardships and environmental disasters leading to an increase in the poverty gap, especially for women. Even though women make up 53% of Puerto Rico’s population, they are only making 70% of what their male counterparts make. Friends of Puerto Rico is focused on building a generation of entrepreneurs, specifically for young girls and women that provides them with the skills and resources they need in order to be able to live the lives they deserve.  Friends of Puerto Rico has committed that in one year they will develop 500 women that are 18 years plus and 500 girls to become entrepreneurs through a hands on coffee agriculture program. In order to get involved, reach out on their website below, or on social media and they will personally answer any questions and give updates on their progress!  How can you help? Donate Become a mentor Volunteer Buy Cafe Ama  Connect & Share Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Friends of Puerto Rico to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find Friends of Puerto Rico  Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube |  Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast  

Inner City Innovators Ricky Aiken Today we are thrilled to welcome Ricky Aiken, the founder of Inner City Innovators. Based in Palm Beach County, Florida this nonprofit aims to eradicate gun violence and youth delinquency. Ricky and his network of Hope Dealers are empowering and inspiring inner city youth to embody the change they want to be in their communities. Growing up in Palm Beach County himself, Ricky was exposed to a tough upbringing surrounded with addiction, alcoholism and gun violence. Instead of following the sometimes predetermined path of the disadvantaged, he sought a different path to follow. Inner City Innovators has about 30 Hope Dealers between the ages of 15-24 years old. While a staggering 40% of these individuals have been shot as a result of gun violence, not one has participated in retaliation due to the guidance of the Inner City Innovators. Ricky and his team live by the philosophy “Real change happens when the people who need it, lead it.”  Through strategic and specific targeting of individuals likely to participate in retaliation, Inner City Innovators has been able to suspend violence, create jobs and save the lives of countless young adults in the area. Ricky is a self taught entrepreneur and is always looking to connect with other nonprofits and people who support this amazing cause. See below to see how you can get involved today!  How can you help? Donate Build a Network Fundraising Support Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find Inner City Innovators Website | Facebook | Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Second Chance Cocker Rescue Liz Schmitz Today on the GIVE Podcast, we welcome Liz Schmitz, the community outreach coordinator of Second Chance Cocker Rescue. This California based nonprofit is saving lives one Cocker Spaniel at a time. Second Chance Cocker Rescue provides medical examinations, neuter/spay services, fostering programs, behavioral testing and sanctuary programs to help save these beautiful animals.  The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most intelligent and loving companions out there. Unfortunately, many dogs are in desperate need of human intervention. Second Chance Cocker Rescue provides love, resources and continues to save dogs from terrible situations, like the  Asian meat trade. They have pulled their first litter of puppies from China last year, and truly gave them a second chance at an amazing life.  Second Chance Cocker Rescue is always looking for volunteers, sanctuary parents, and donors to help support their mission. You can help from home doing mico-chip data entry, or even volunteer in the construction of their new sanctuary in Jamestown, California. All of your efforts help make it possible to keep more dogs out of the kill shelters in California. Remember - Adopt Don’t Shop , and always spay/neuter your furry friends!  How can you help? Volunteer Foster a Cocker Spaniel Subscribe to Newsletter  Become a Monthly donor Buy a Memorial Brick Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Second Chance Cocker Rescue to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find Second Chance Cocker Rescue Website | Facebook | Instagram |  Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast  

Merton Capital Partners Sean Davis Today, on the GIVE Podcast we are excited to welcome the founder and CEO of Merton Capital Partners, Sean Davis. Merton Capital Partners exists to bridge the gap between nonprofits and philanthropists. His skilled team is helping pioneer Big Bet philanthropy to solve large scale societal challenges.  Big Bet philanthropy is changing the way philanthropy works within the nonprofit sector. The Giving Pledge, which was created by Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates, is a lifelong commitment of the wealthiest families and individuals, to dedicate the majority of their wealth to giving. The success of this moral commitment has created over $600 billion dollars in accessible funds to foundations and nonprofits. Merton Capital Partners works on behalf of philanthropists and nonprofits to create detailed long-term growth plans,  support management teams and develop thought leadership in order to scale loved nonprofits to new heights.  Merton Capital Partners understands the barriers nonprofits face to scale, and creates solutions to overcome those problems. Through detailed planning, rigorous investing and support, Merton Capital Partners creates the strong foundation needed for Big Bet philanthropy. Whether you are a struggling philanthropist looking for meaningful ways to give, or a nonprofit struggling to scale - Merton Capital Partners can help. Check out their website below for more information!  How can you help? Connect with a local Venture Capitalist Advocate Spread the Word Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find Merton Capital  Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Operation WEBS (Women Empowered Build Strong) Sandy Blair and Caity Casey Today we are so excited to speak with founder Sandy Blair and communications director Caity Casey, of Operation Women Empowered Build Strong. As veterans themselves they are on a mission to create safe and affordable, high quality housing solutions for women veterans. They provide immediate housing solutions, while also creating a long-term farming tiny house on wheels community. Sadly, female veterans are the fastest growing segment of the homeless veterans within our population. Both Sandy and Caity experienced hardships transitioning back into civilian life after their time in the service. Women who have served our nation are being left in the shadows, and unfortunately many end up couchsurfing, in abusive relationships, living out of their car, and even on the streets. Operation WEBS serves to teach women they are not alone. They are supporting and empowering women to rebuild the lives they deserve. Operation Women Empowered Build Strong is making a huge impact with their tiny home community. You can help deliver a self-sustaining, eco-friendly, vibrant farming community which offers the empowerment, enrichment, independence, comradery, and security that our Veteran heroines deserve and desperately need to aid in their successful transition back to a comfortable level of civilian normalcy after military service. Check out their website and see how you can support those who gave everything to serve us.  How can you help? Donate Volunteer Attend an Event Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Operation Women Empowered Build Strong to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find Operation WEBS  Website | Facebook | Instagram |  Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Putnam County Community Foundation Brandon Wells Today we are excited to introduce Brandon Wells, executive director of Putnam County Community Foundation in Indiana. This foundation was founded in 1985 and serves to empower individuals and help the community determine how they can address their County needs. Putnam County Community Foundation administers funds, awards grants, provides leadership, enriches quality of life and strengthens the community in Putnam County and beyond.  Putnam County Community Foundation is hyper-local which allows them to be able to partner with local stakeholders and fellow community citizens to better understand what their true needs are, and then impact them fairly quickly. With 16% of children living in poverty, and only about 20% of their population having a Bachelor’s degree or a technical certification that leads to a great career, education is a huge priority. They create incredible programs like Clover You, which gives each classroom a specific College theme, teaching them about specific programs they offer, as well as expanding their minds to bright new possibilities.  Community foundations are a priceless asset and if you have one nearby definitely connect with them! They help with goal setting, scholarships and ultimately help the community thrive. Putnam Community Foundation invites you to be the change and do your little bit of good where you are, so we can truly transform all communities.  How can you help? Donate Start a fund Connect with your local Community Foundation  Volunteer Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Putnam County Community Foundation to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find Putnam County Community Foundation Website | Facebook  Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Jupiter Inlet Foundation Vivien McLean Bunce Today we are thrilled to introduce Vivien McLean Bunce, core member and Outreach Coordinator of the Jupiter Inlet Foundation. Known for its small-town beachy vibe and pristine white sandy beaches, the Jupiter Inlet borders the Atlantic Ocean on the southeastern coast of Florida. The Jupiter Inlet Foundation is dedicated to the conservation of the natural resources along the many waterways in Jupiter and helps to preserve its history and archaeological assets. The Jupiter Inlet is home to Johnson’s seagrass, which is the first and only Marine plant species to be listed under the endangered species act. This seagrass plays an integral role in balancing the marine ecosystem by providing nutrition to turtles and manatees, serving as a nursery for many species of fish, and helping to filter the water and keep it sparkling blue. Jupiter also houses the Suni Sands, which is an archaeological site built on top of a prehistoric Indian village, that is eligible for inclusion on the national register of historic places. Palm Beach County’s waterways total annual economic output was measured at $874 million, giving good reason to protect it. The Jupiter Inlet Foundation is educating the public on the unique qualities of the Jupiter Inlet, raising awareness, and making sure to protect this area for the long term.  How can you help? Donate  Attend events Join the community Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Jupiter Inlet Foundation to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find Jupiter Inlet Foundation Website | Facebook | Instagram |  Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast  

Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties Elizabeth Rowley Today we are excited to introduce Elizabeth Rowley of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties in New York. This foundation is one of over 700 community foundations in the United States and nearly 2000 globally. Their mission in the Hudson Valley region is to inspire a passion for lifelong philanthropy, catalyze sustainable community impact and connect people who care with causes that matter.  The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties’ services range from designating scholarships, grant-making, helping veterans return to civilian life, animal welfare initiatives and much much more. They are responsible for managing all of the details for their donors in many different programs. With student loan debt at an all time high of $4 trillion, they are responsible for managing scholarships ranging from $500 to $20,000 for their recipients. Another large initiative they continue to support is animal welfare. Orange County Community Foundation diligently manages their donations so they can have the greatest impact possible, in their counties and beyond.  Community foundations serve as the glue to bring support to nonprofits and organizations in need. If you are interested in what’s going on in your local community foundation, connect with them and find a way to get involved! From starting a fund to becoming a donor or volunteering, you can give back to your community in a meaningful way.   How can you help? Donate Start a fund Connect with your local Community Foundation  Volunteer Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

The Surfrider Foundation  Jamie Hamilton Today we are so excited to introduce Jamie Hamilton, chair of The Surfrider Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network.  The Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots, non-profit environmental organization with 81 chapters in 10 regions around the nation, all with the same mission - to keep our beaches healthy and communities informed. Their network of passionate activists mobilize their local chapters to plan campaigns, organize clean ups, and work with local elected officials to find solutions. With a crisis level of microplastics bombarding our rivers and oceans, it is more important than ever to find plastic alternatives.  “Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act” was recently passed in Florida and includes many initiatives that help combat this crisis. Help support this act in your community by contacting your representatives in 2 easy steps. Whether you are a surfer or not, Surfrider invites you to help foster positive environmental change and get involved! How can you help? Act now  Volunteer  Donate Use plastic alternatives Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help The Surfrider Foundation to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find The Surfrider Foundation Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | LinkedIn |   Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Foster the Earth  Erin McBride  Today we bring you Foster The Earth’s founder, Erin McBride. Foster The Earth is dedicated to helping vulnerable children and young adults in the foster care system through exposure to the great outdoors. Their participants experience the challenges and healing power of extended time in the wild and come away with a deeper respect for themselves, their capacity, and their place in the natural world.  Foster The Earth removes their participants from their everyday stressors by exposing them to nature and giving them resilience and self-confidence to help with their everyday lives at home. Each month participants go on one hike over the duration of a seven month program which teaches them new backpacking skills while also increasing in altitude and mileage. At the end of the program, the participants embark on a life-changing seven day backpacking trip to the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, Mount Whitney. Erin, has spent 1,645 hours with at-risk youth transforming their relationship with nature and themselves.  In order to help Foster The Earth continue enlightening and healing our youth through outdoor therapy, donate on their website, become a sponsor and even start your own chapter! Foster The Earth is an uplifting reminder to motivate others to spend more time in nature and disconnect with the technological world so you can reconnect with yourself.  How can you help? Donate Start a chapter Volunteer Engage  Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Foster The Earth to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find Foster The Earth  Website | Facebook | Instagram  Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Sea Shepherd Captain Paul Watson Today we are beyond excited to welcome Captain Paul Watson, founder of Sea Shepherd Conservancy. You may already be familiar with him from the hit TV show “Whale Wars”. Sea Shepherd uses direct action to defend marine wildlife and protect their habitat in the world’s oceans.  Sea Shepherd has transformed into an international movement and exists in 40 different countries, all concentrating on different environmental initiatives. Captain Paul Watson believes in an interventionist approach, where they directly shut down the terrible things that are happening in our oceans. Sea Shepherd has successfully driven the Japanese whaling fleet out of the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, shut down the toothfish poachers in the waters around Antarctica, stopped Chevron and BP from drilling in the Australian bite, and so much more. With poachers, illegal fishing, overfishing, and the diminishment of biodiversity within our ecosystem, they are ultimately fighting against the death of our ocean.  Sea Shepherd wants to remind you that one person can make a real difference. We all have the ability to change the world - all it takes is passion, imagination and courage.  The oceans are our lifeline, yet they are dying more and more everyday and desperately need our help. Please contribute in the best way you can to help defend and protect marine wildlife and the world’s oceans.  How can you help? Donate Join a campaign Volunteer in your hometown Keep our shores clean Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Sea Shepherd to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find Sea Shepherd  Website | Facebook | Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Clean Cruiser Project Steven Ploog Today we bring you Steven Ploog, co-founder of the Clean Cruiser Project. This nonprofit began with two rusty Land Cruisers, a couple of beers and a dream to embark on a 60-day overland expedition from Paso Robles, California to Panama. Steve and his co-founder, Nathan Stewart, completed their trip carbon neutral, with the mission to encourage individual carbon footprint reduction and promote conservation efforts.  In order to offset the carbon emission from their trip, they calculated they would have to plant 200 trees. Taking it a bit further, the Clean Cruiser Team planted over 600 trees to offset the carbon emissions produced by their 2019 expedition through Central America. The co-founders partnered with multiple reforestation sites to showcase the different ways to utilize the forest as a carbon sequestration method. Their journey caught the eyes of many supporters, and the founders have partnered with Outside Magazine to produce an upcoming eco-adventure series.  The Clean Cruiser Project is focused on creating a more sustainable future through reducing carbon footprints, offsetting carbon emissions and utilizing biodiesel. Their story is an inspiring reminder to follow your dreams and get involved! The Clean Cruiser Project urges you to start using biofuels, biodiesel and support reforestation efforts to give back to our precious planet.  How can you help? Donate to plant more trees Share their story Support reforestation efforts Use biodiesel/biofuel  Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Clean Cruiser Project to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE.  Where to find Clean Cruiser Project  Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Vimeo | Pinterest | Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Miami Homes For All Annie Lord Today we bring you Annie Lord, executive director of Miami Homes For All. The mission of this nonprofit is to end homelessness in South Florida through policy research, advocacy and other initiatives for collective impact. Armed with the best research available, Miami Homes For All collaborates with people across the entire spectrum of their community to identify the best ideas in order to turn visions of a stable and safe Miami into reality. Miami is the third least affordable city in the country due to a relatively high-priced housing market, and comparatively lower wages. Miami Homes For All works with youth homelessness, adult homelessness, affordable housing, and grant-making to help bridge this economic gap. A huge part of Miami’s workforce is in the hospitality and healthcare industry. Unfortunately, those average wages are less than $15 an hour, making the divide even larger for employed people who are helping to fuel the economy. Consequently, the citizens are cost-burdened and forced to make impossible choices between rent, childcare, their education, medications, and even food. Miami Homes For All believes everyone deserves a place to call home. Miami-Dade County needs at least 130,000 more homes to meet its housing gap. The good news, we can help support their mission and help get people off the streets, to a place they deserve. How can you help? Donate Vote Be involved Share their story Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Miami Homes For All to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE. Where to find Fine Print Funding Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast  

Fine Print Funding Chantal and Justin Crompton   Today we bring you Chantal and Justin Crompton, founders of Fine Print Funding out of San Diego, California. This nonprofit creates financial equity in the college application process. More low-income high school students are graduating than ever before, but rates of low-income students making the leap to college have stayed stagnant.  The data is clear: there’s an opportunity gap. Low-income students are getting lost in the fine print of the college-going process. Chantal is an English teacher who witnessed first-hand the hardships that low-income students faced when it came time to apply for colleges and take their AP exams. Many of her students lacked the financial resources required to apply to college. She created a “pipeline of hope” for her students by creating a Go Fund Me to raise enough money for 60 seniors to apply to all of the colleges that they worked so hard for. She and her husband then created the Fine Print Funding nonprofit in order to continue to send more students to college and shift expectations in the community for academic success. In order to help Fine Print Funding send more underserved students to the college they deserve  follow them on social media, share their story and make a donation that can change the lives of many! By getting involved and sharing why this cause is so important, you will give more hard-working students the opportunity to achieve and succeed. How can you help? Donate Purchase apparel Spread the word Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Fine Print Funding to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE. Where to find Fine Print Funding Website | Facebook | Instagram Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Bark Avenue Foundation Christie Schilling Today we bring you Christie Schilling from Bark Avenue Foundation located in Los Angeles, California. This nonprofit empowers pet owners and local communities to reduce abandoned animal populations through spay and neuter, pet retention and reclamation, and education. Bark Avenue is focusing on preventing as many animals as possible entering shelters through diligent work, youth education and free programs for those who lack the resources. Bark Avenue Foundation helps combat the animal crisis by hosting mobile vet providers to go to low income and underserved communities who don’t have the resources needed. By offering spay and neuter services, pet food/supplies, medical care, and ESA (Emotional Support Animal) assessments, it helps prevent pets from being born on the street, overpopulation, and pets dying on the street. Bark Avenue Foundation also works with the homeless and is educating the youth and general public on the significance of lifetime commitment, adopting animals who match your lifestyle, and the importance of spaying and neutering. Bark Avenue Foundation’s website lists their upcoming free events and programs that you can get involved with. They invite you to talk proudly about your adopted pets,  spread the word and get involved in your local community! How can you help? Donate Volunteer Adopt before you shop Spay/Neuter your pets Spread the word Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Bark Avenue Foundation to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE. Where to find Bark Avenue Foundation Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube  Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Camp Ocean Pines Andrew Boyd Goodrich We are excited to introduce you to Andrew Boyd Goodrich, executive director of Camp Ocean Pines, California. The mission of Camp Ocean Pines is to foster enjoyment and appreciation of the natural world among people of all ages through creative activities in a residential camp setting. A jewel on the Central Coast, Camp Ocean Pines sits on thirteen donated acres of Monterey Pine forest that nearly meets the ocean shore. Camp Ocean Pines helps bridge the gap between people through memorable experiences and connections with nature and each other. They offer summer camps, team development programs, and a retreat space for family reunions. At this camp, you get to be a different version of yourself than perhaps what you present in other parts of life. By deepening the bonds with our environment, peers, and family it inspires those of all ages to learn more about the beautiful world around us and give back in a meaningful way.  Camp Ocean Pines’ website has amazing video footage of this gorgeous space as well as resources for how you can get involved. They encourage their listeners to meet with some of your neighbors and your fellow community members and enjoy being a better person in the great outdoors. How can you help? Donate Volunteer Plan a retreat Get outside Spread the word Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Camp Ocean Pines to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE. Where to find Camp Ocean Pines Website | Facebook | Youtube| Instagram | Yelp  Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Today we bring you Jennifer Kryshka of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches. This non-profit is located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and is dedicated to advancing the status of women and girls in the US and Israel through strategic grantmaking, advocacy, education, and leadership development programs to create long-lasting social change. Jewish Women's Foundation is a social change organization, which means they are focused on long term systemic impact. They address these through grantmaking, community education programs, leadership development programs and support Florida policies that are related to their mission. They support organizations like Unchained At Last and Kids Safe who are combatting child marriage, preventing sexual abuse of children, and increasing paid family leave. To get involved with helping create an overall better community Jewish Women’s Foundation will be posting legislation on their website so people can see what kind of Bills are being passed that impact women and girls. To help support an increase in safety and security for women and children, check their website for upcoming events, become a trustee and donate. How can you help? Donate Participate in the programs and events Spread the word Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Jewish Women’s Foundation to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE. Where to find Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches Website | Facebook  Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Growing Up Guide Pup  Amy and Matthew Chapman Today we bring you Amy and Matthew Chapman, founders of Growing Up Guide Pup.  This nonprofit is the only service dog organization in the world with a mission to focus on education to help people with disabilities live more independent and fulfilling lives. Growing Up Guide Pup started on a whim when Matthew, a filmmaker by trade, and Amy a veterinary technician decided to document their experience training their service dogs. They give us a real unfiltered perspective into what goes into raising service dogs, how to overcome common challenges and encouraging more people to get involved. They educate the public on service dog awareness and proper etiquette to inspire more volunteers to take action and tackle common questions. By supporting Growing Up Guide Pup’s mission you can help bring awareness to the importance of service dogs and their life-changing impact on their users, handlers and the community at large. You can get involved today by visiting their website with over a hundred blogs from service dog users, volunteer puppy raisers, and past board members. They also have three free seasons on YouTube with amazing training content. In the next 20-30 years Growing Up Guide Pup believes service dogs are going to transform America, and with your help, perhaps the world. How can you help? Donate Make a Tribute Gift Spread the word Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Growing Up Guide Pup to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE. Where to find Growing Up Guide Pup Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Vimeo | Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Dream in Green Barbara Martinez-Guerrero Today we bring you Barbara Martinez-Guerrero Executive Director of Dream in Green.  This nonprofit is located in Miami, FL and aims to empower individuals, especially youth, to lead in the response to climate change and other environmental challenges facing South Florida. By raising awareness and working with the community, Dream in Green helps develop and implement educational programs that promote environmentally sustainable behaviors. Dream in Green started with 3 lawyers with an idea to increase the conversation surrounding environmental sustainability in Florida. They made contacts with like-minded local teachers and worked with the local government to integrate this new curriculum. The Green School Movement caught like wildfire and now there are over 100 schools in South Florida participating in their green initiatives, like beach clean-ups and social media campaigns on Earth Day. By introducing this holistic approach to environmental sustainability at a young age, children are becoming more aware of the influence we all have on the environment that surrounds us, and more importantly how we can help. Dream in Green has diverse offerings on its website complete with downloadable lesson plans, water/energy-saving behaviors, and upcoming free local workshops. They encourage visitors to their site to use this information and get involved in any way that they can in their local community. How can you help? Donate Shop smart with Amazon Smile & WeeGreen Participate in the programs Spread the word Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Dream in Green to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits.   Be inspired.  GIVE. Where to find Dream in Green Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement Scarlett Lewis Today we bring you Scarlett Lewis of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement.  This nonprofit was born out of unimaginable tragedy - after Scarlett lost her 6-year-old son to the Sandy Hook Active Shooter crisis in December of 2012. She turned indescribable heartbreak into love-driven education for other youth and parents. The aim of Jesse Lewis Choose Love is what the name implies - to create a society where individuals problem solve and find solutions through choosing love. In the aftermath of her son’s murder, Scarlett was surrounded by a community fueled by anger, finger-pointing, and blame. The shooter had mental health issues and anxiety and individuals and media found blame with his mother for the access he had to weapons.  Scarlett knew in her heart that ultimately, these were not the reasons for the shooting, and they wouldn’t stop future active shooter situations. A note written on her kitchen chalkboard by her son before he died confirmed her belief.  “Nurturing, healing, love” were the words Jesse Lewis wrote on that chalkboard.  These words inspired Scarlett to take action. The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement works to promote the healing of society through love and the development of empathy.  If people are able to find loving ways to work through issues and are shown love, love will provide the solution.  The foundation is guided by four principles - Courage, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion in Action.  Their website is a wealth of information and contains information on all of the programs they currently have in place.  They encourage visitors to their site to use this information and get involved in any way that they can in their local community. How can you help? Donate Take the oath on their website to “choose love” Participate in the programs Bring these programs into your community Spread the word Please don’t forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement to achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE. Where to find the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast  

Knowledgeworks Chuck Ambrose Today we bring you Chuck Ambrose of Knowledgeworks, a non-profit dedicated to preparing each and every student for future success through a personalized approach to education.  During his 35 years in higher education, specifically as a college president, Chuck saw the real need that his organization aims to meet. If you think about the education system in the United States, the fact is that it hasn’t changed since it was developed - well over 100 years ago.  That needs to be addressed.  Let’s face it - times have changed - dramatically.  Children and adults have access to information like never before - and learning has turned into more of a life-long process, as opposed to the typical K through college curriculum. Knowledgeworks partners with learning communities to ensure each student graduates ready for what's next. They are creating the future of learning and changing the education culture to prepare each student for future success through personalized learning. Check out their published forecasts, available below, that give an overview of where education stands at different points in time.  These forecasts and more are made available to local policymakers and educators to incite change. Download their toolkits and share them with lawmakers and teachers in your community to implement personalized learning, a key aspect to education as it stands today. How can you help? Donate Fundraise on social media Download the Forecast and share it with policymakers and educators in your community Download the toolkit and create a community in your area Spread the word! Please don't forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Knowledgeworks achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE.   Where to find Knowledgeworks Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube   Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Jeff Watters Ocean Conservancy Today we bring you Jeff Watters of Ocean Conservancy, a non-profit organization that works with the public to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges by creating science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.  Jeff has been with Ocean Conservancy since 2011 and is the Senior Director, Government Relations.  Jeff brings us a story of optimism and empowerment - not the "doom and gloom" scenarios we see about the environment.  He and his organization believe that through bipartisan communication, initiatives can be fostered to bring the change that the oceans and coasts desperately need, particularly in Florida. No matter where you are in Florida, you are 60 miles from the coast.  Water affects everything, and everyone is connected to the water in not only the state of Florida but around the country.  Ocean Conservancy strives to bring this issue into the forefront, creating a unified feeling of responsibility for the oceans no matter where you might reside. Through initiatives such as Shores Forward, which has created a partnership with the city of Miami to help conserve the coasts and oceans to the Super Bowl promoted initiative, Oceans to Everglades which is working to create cleaner water from the Everglades to the ocean - Ocean Conservancy is committed to helping conserve our oceans. How can you help? As always, fundraise on social media (choose their organization for your birthday charity on Facebook!) Donate and ask others to do the same Reduce single-use plastic Can't donate?  Volunteer!  Reduce the amount of water that you use.  Spread the word to those that can donate - everything helps! Please don't forget to share this episode!  Sharing this episode will help Ocean Conservancy achieve its mission and increase its impact and help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits.   Be inspired.  GIVE Where to find Ocean Conservancy Website | Facebook | Instagram| Twitter | LinkedIn   To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast

Heal Grief Fran Solomon Today we bring you Fran Solomon of HealGrief.org, a non-profit organization that helps millennials and college-age students deal with and process grief. The team at HealGrief.org also works to ensure that universities across the nation have adequate support and policies in place to allow students the time they need to deal with their loss. Unfortunately, over ½ of the population of young adults ages 18-25 are grieving.  That is an astounding number and it is compounded by tragedies like mass shootings, terrorism, and war, that we are all too familiar with. This age group is often forgotten when it comes to grief and the fewest bereavement services are available to them. Leaving grief unchecked and unsupported can result in these young adults feeling forced to make a choice that could change their lives forever.  They may turn to alcohol, drugs, bad peer influences, drop out of college - all issues that would change their path forever.   That is where HealGrief.org’s program, Actively Moving Forward comes in. Actively Moving Forward is a service for 18-25-year-olds who are dealing with grief.  Through activities, exercises, community and peer support, and a new App, AMF hopes to give these students and young people suffering from loss the help that they need to cope with their grief.  Their AMF App launches in the first part of 2020 and will lead to a greater impact. The process of grief has no end.  It’s critical that we help the growing number of youth facing these difficult times by actively moving forward.  How can you help? Fundraise on social media  (choose their organization for your birthday charity on Facebook!) Donate and ask others to do the same Can’t donate?  Follow Heal Grief and Actively Moving Foward on social media and increase their visibility. Finally, don’t forget to share this episode.  Sharing this episode will help Heal Grief and Actively Moving Forward increase their impact and will help us at the GIVE Podcast keep spreading the word about important charities and nonprofits. Be inspired.  GIVE. Where to find Heal Grief Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Where to find Actively Moving Forward Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Full episode transcription can be found here. To be a guest on the show or hear more episodes visit https://prodigimark.com/givepodcast