The Giving Project: Philanthropy, Generosity & Social Impact

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the critical shift from traditional, transactional philanthropy to strategic, relationship-based giving that centers Indigenous sovereignty and land rights. This conversation is essential for donors, foundation leaders, corporate social responsibility officers, and anyone interested in social impact who wants to move beyond performative allyship and understand how...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores why affordable housing is fundamentally about human dignity, community stability, and social justice rather than just construction materials. This conversation is essential for philanthropists, urban planners, policy advocates, and anyone concerned with gentrification and displacement in their cities. We move beyond the abstract economics of real estate to examine...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the transformative power of library skill-sharing workshops as a form of grassroots philanthropy. This discussion is essential for anyone interested in social impact, community development, and redefining generosity beyond traditional monetary donations. We move past the idea of charity as a one-way transaction to view it as a circular exchange of time, skills, an...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the transformative power of intergenerational mentorship as a vital form of philanthropy and social impact. This conversation moves beyond traditional charity models—like writing checks or attending galas—to examine how genuine generosity is built through human connection across age gaps. If you are looking for ways to find purpose in your own life, or...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn challenges the traditional model of charity by exploring the transformative power of strategic giving in support of Indigenous rights. This conversation moves beyond the superficial metrics of corporate social responsibility and 'savior complexes' to examine what it truly means to do repair work. We discuss how well-meaning donors often miss the humanity and history behind...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the profound difference between building houses and reconstructing communities in the wake of natural disasters. This discussion moves beyond immediate survival tactics to examine the long-term, often overlooked phase of post-disaster recovery. For donors, philanthropists, and social impact advocates, this episode provides a critical framework for understanding th...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the profound and often difficult work of engaging in political dialogue with those who hold opposing views. This conversation is essential for anyone seeking to move beyond polarization, reduce societal fragmentation, and rebuild trust within their communities. We live in a culture that rewards us for digging our heels in, but true generosity requires refusing to ...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the human cost of gentrification, moving beyond economic metrics to examine the displacement of long-term residents and the erosion of community identity. This discussion is essential for philanthropists, social impact professionals, urban planners, and anyone concerned with affordable housing, tenant rights, and social justice. We unpack how 'natural market force...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the profound and often overlooked challenge of veteran reintegration into civilian society. This is not just a story about military service; it is an essential guide for anyone who wants to understand the psychological weight of transitioning from high-stakes survival mode to the ambiguous chaos of everyday life. Whether you are a veteran yourself, a family member...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the critical intersection of financial literacy and social impact for young single parents. This discussion moves beyond traditional budgeting advice to address systemic barriers, structural inequality, and the dignity inherent in financial empowerment. If you are interested in philanthropy that prioritizes holistic support over superficial metrics, this episode o...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the critical and often overlooked issue of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas. This conversation is essential for philanthropists, social impact leaders, educators, and community organizers who want to understand how to effectively support marginalized young people outside of urban centers. We move beyond the traditional model of large-scale comm...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the critical intersection of philanthropy and indigenous language preservation, arguing that saving languages is one of the most urgent forms of social impact available today. This discussion moves beyond traditional metrics of charitable giving to examine how language acts as the operating system for culture, identity, and ecological knowledge. When a language di...

In this deeply reflective episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the profound parallels between retired racing greyhounds and human burnout. This conversation is essential for anyone feeling exhausted by a culture that equates worth with productivity, speed, or constant output. We often measure our value by how fast we can run, how efficiently we can deliver, and how much we can achieve, but Jodie invites list...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the profound social impact of writing handwritten letters to isolated elders. This guide to intergenerational connection explains how simple acts of pen-pal friendship combat the loneliness epidemic among seniors, offering a tangible solution for those feeling invisible or forgotten in an increasingly digital world. You will discover why this low-cost, high-empath...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the complex ethics of animal shelter overpopulation, moving beyond viral rescue trends to examine sustainable, systemic solutions for social impact. This guide is essential for compassionate donors, ethical activists, and anyone seeking to understand how true generosity operates in the face of overwhelming need. We dissect the hidden costs of 'rescue tourism' and ...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the profound challenge of maintaining human connection and practicing generosity during deeply polarized political disagreements. This guide is essential for anyone who has experienced the exhaustion of online arguments, family dinners turned tense, or the silent treatment in relationships due to ideological differences. We live in an era where disagreement often ...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the critical intersection of philanthropy, social impact, and gender equity in the technology sector. 'Breaking the Code: Mentoring Women in Male-Dominated Tech' is designed for donors, corporate leaders, HR professionals, and allies who want to move beyond performative diversity initiatives and create tangible, systemic change. This episode dissects the psycholog...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the profound social impact and community care embodied by local business-owned community fridges. This is not just a story about food waste reduction or logistics; it is a deep dive into the philosophy of solidarity versus traditional charity. For listeners interested in philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and grassroots activism, this episode offers a compelli...

In this episode of The Giving Project, host Jodie Blackburn explores the profound difference between financial philanthropy and the radical act of donating your time. While writing checks is convenient and efficient, it often keeps donors at a safe distance, turning charity into a transactional portfolio strategy rather than a human connection. This episode argues that true generosity requires presence—showing up side-by-side...