Advertise on podcast: Positive Impact Philanthropy Podcast

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

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer sits down with Blima Ehrentreu, founder of The Designers Group, to explore how design can be a powerful tool for social impact. Blima shares her journey from Toronto to leading an interior design firm with multiple locations, all rooted in the mission of creating spaces that truly serve the people who use them. Blima explains how designing with purpose goes far beyond aesthetics. By focusing on how spaces function, feel, and support well-being, her work transforms environments such as offices, healthcare facilities, senior living communities, and residences. She also discusses how she uses her firm as a platform to give back through pro bono design, mentorship, and initiatives such as the TDG Furniture Exchange.   In this episode, Lori and Blima discuss: What it means to design with purpose and intentionality How interior design can influence behavior, health, and well-being Using a design firm as a platform for philanthropy and social impact The origins and growth of the TDG Furniture Exchange Supporting future designers through mentorship and real-world exposure Measuring impact through long-term relationships and lived experiences in designed spaces Blima's vision for leaving the world better than she found it through design and giving back   Connect with Blima! The Designers Group Website: https://www.thedesignersgroup.com/ TDG Furniture Exchange Website: https://www.tdgfurnitureexchange.com/ TDG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedesignersgroup/ TDG Furniture Exchange Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tdgfurnitureexchange/ TDG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedesignersgroup/ TDG Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thedesignersgroup/_created/ Blima's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blimaehrentreu/ TDG LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedesignersg   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

In this episode, Lori speaks with two leaders whose personal stories fueled a shared mission to transform literacy access for children across the country. Robin Zikmund, co-founder of the IMSE Foundation, and Krista Gauthier, the foundation's executive director, open up about their experiences navigating the challenges of raising children with dyslexia and how those journeys led them to create systemic solutions through advocacy, educator training, and innovative literacy programs. Together, they share how the IMSE Foundation is working to equip teachers, empower families, and create long-term impact through community-based programs that pair evidence-based reading instruction with STEM enrichment opportunities.   In this episode, Lori, Robin, and Krista discuss: The personal experiences that led Robin and Krista into advocacy and ultimately into founding and leading the IMSE Foundation The widespread misunderstanding of dyslexia and why early identification is critical for long-term success How teacher scholarships and structured literacy training create exponential impact for students The "Books, Bots, and Beyond" initiative and how combining reading intervention with STEM exploration builds confidence and expands opportunity The harsh realities faced by children who go unidentified and unsupported, including the connection between illiteracy and incarceration The role of community, partnership, and perseverance when launching and growing nonprofit initiatives How both guests think about legacy and the future they hope to create for children nationwide   IMSE Foundation Website: https://imsefoundation.org/ IMSE Foundation Contact Page: https://imsefoundation.org/contact/ IMSE Foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559285062865 IMSE Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imse_foundation/?hl=en   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

In this episode of Positive Impact Philanthropy, Lori Kranczer speaks with Siobhan Frost, co-founder and CEO of Endless. Siobhan shares how a surf trip in Portugal sparked her passion to tackle plastic pollution and led her to create Endless, a sunscreen brand built on sustainability, design, and purpose. Growing up in Australia, she learned the importance of environmental stewardship early on, and now she's combining her branding expertise with her commitment to protecting both people and the planet. Through her story, Siobhan highlights how small, thoughtful actions can create ripple effects for meaningful change. From her early inspirations to building a product that merges health, beauty, and environmental care, she's redefining what it means to make business a force for good. You'll hear about: How a moment in the ocean inspired Siobhan's commitment to sustainability The journey from branding and design to building a purpose-driven company How Endless combines sunscreen, style, and sustainability in one refillable product Why collaboration and peer networks are key to growing impactful brands The role of design in making sustainable habits easier for everyone The connection between her upbringing and her environmental values Siobhan's vision for a world free of single-use plastics and her lasting legacy of change   Siobhan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanfrost/ Endless Website: https://www.iamendless.co/ Endless Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamendless.co/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

In this episode, Lori speaks with Katie Dunn, angel investor, board director, and startup advisor, about how curiosity, access, and education drive her approach to investing and impact. Katie shares how her career in commercial real estate led her to angel investing and how she now focuses on supporting underrepresented founders while promoting accessibility and transparency in the investment world.   You'll learn about: Katie's journey from real estate lending to angel investing How curiosity and lifelong learning shape her investment decisions The myths and realities of angel investing for new investors Making social impact part of a company's DNA What she looks for in founders and why passion matters Her work supporting women entrepreneurs through board and advisory roles Why accessibility in funding and education is her biggest mission The legacy she hopes to build by opening doors for others   Katie's Business Website: https://www.themastheadstrategy.com/ Katie's Personal Website: https://www.katiedunn.com/ Katie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie--dunn/ Katie's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamkatiedunn Katie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiedunn/ SWITCH Angels: https://switchthefuture.com/capital/the-angel-sessions/ Yale Women on Boards Program: https://som.yale.edu/executive-education/for-individuals/leadership/women-on-boards Wefunder: https://wefunder.com/ StartEngine: https://invest.startengine.com/ Republic: https://republic.com/ Juliet Wine: https://drinkjuliet.com/ Private Directors Association: https://www.privatedirectors.org/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

In this episode, Lori speaks with Gigi Danziger, founder and investor at Eutopia Foundation, about her work creating hyperlocal philanthropic models in Hudson, New York. Gigi shares how her family history, values, and desire for community connection led her to launch initiatives such as a basic income pilot, affordable housing, medical debt relief, and the Spark of Hudson learning hub. Her story highlights how philanthropy can thrive when it's rooted in trust, sustainability, and co-creation with the community.   You'll hear about: How Gigi's family history inspired her philanthropic values The design and impact of Hudson's basic income pilot Why seeding power and trust are key to community-based philanthropy Clearing medical debt as a model for other communities The role of Spark of Hudson as a learning hub and gathering place Building sustainable, equitable models for affordable housing and farming Why starting small and hyperlocal creates scalable models for broader impact How Gigi views her legacy as sparking others to thrive   Gigi's Email: [email protected] Spark of Hudson Website: https://sparkofhudson.org/ Spark of Hudson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Spark-of-Hudson-100063508631540/ Spark of Hudson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkofhudson/?hl=en Wally Farms Website: https://wallyfarms.com/ HudsonUp Basic Income Pilot: https://sparkofhudson.org/hudsonup HudsonDots Innovative Housing: https://sparkofhudson.org/hudsondots HudsonStep Initiative: https://sparkofhudson.org/hudsonstep HudsonNest Residence: https://sparkofhudson.org/hudsonnest Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori as she talks with Kate Assaraf, Founder and CEO of Dip Sustainable Hair Care, to discuss how beauty choices can spark environmental change. Most of us never realize that simply changing our choice of shampoo and conditioner can make a real difference. Discover why it's time to switch to this impactful brand and be part of creating a greener, more beautiful world!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: Kate's inspiration for creating a sustainable hair care brand How Dip started and its positive impact on the planet The hidden truths about plastic waste and fast fashion Why Dip is a smart choice for conscious consumers Practical tips to reduce waste And much more! Dip Website: https://dipalready.com/ Dip Surfrider Shampoo for a Cause: https://dipalready.com/products/surfrider-colorsafe-shampoo-fragrance-free?_pos=1&_sid=cc68fb926&_ss=r. Dip Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dipalready Dip TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dipalready Kate's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-assaraf-b25a741a7/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori in this inspiring episode as she chats with Kimberly Lau, Founder and CEO of Project Rewear—a thrifting shop with a powerful mission. Many of us don't realize that something as simple as thrifting or rewearing can spark real change. Tune in to get inspired and see how you can make a difference—starting right in your own closet!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: How Kimberly turned an idea into a movement What Project Rewear truly is—and why it's more than just a thrift shop How Kimberly's approach breaks the mold of traditional thrifting The unique in-store experience that goes beyond just shopping And much more! Project ReWear Website: https://www.projectrewear.com/ Project ReWear Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project.rewear/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori in this inspiring conversation with Kristin Thomas, Founder and CEO of Marble Collective, an AI-powered platform designed for high-impact women leaders. Social media can be overwhelming and noisy, but Marble Collective helps you rise above the chaos. Discover how the platform connects you with the right people to amplify your voice, increase your visibility, and expand your impact — so your legacy reaches exactly who it's meant to inspire!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: The personal journey behind building a mission-driven, AI-powered platform What sets Marble Collective apart from traditional online networks Ways it connects purpose-driven women with aligned opportunities and communities How AI is being used to strategically amplify your voice and visibility And much more! Kristin's Bio: https://marblecollective.com/kristin.thomas Marble Collective: https://marblecollective.com/ Marble Collective Application: https://marblecollective.com/about/founding-membership   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori as she sits down with Rafia Qureshi, Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives at LEBEC, a for-profit organization that's redefining how we fund change. Rafia shares powerful insights that will resonate with changemakers, nonprofit leaders, and anyone curious about using money more intentionally for greater impact.   Get ready to be inspired by real-world examples of how LEBEC is driving meaningful, lasting change — and why reimagining philanthropy might be the key to unlocking a better future!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: Rafia's journey that led her to join the organization What motivates Rafia to drive meaningful impact through innovative finance and philanthropy How LEBEC brings capital to high-impact projects and initiatives The importance of passing on the values of intentional giving and impact to the next generation And much more! Rafia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafia-qureshi-7331b92/ LEBEC's Website: https://lebec.co/ LEBEC's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lebec-co/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected] 

Join Lori in this inspiring conversation with Tulaine Montgomery, CEO of New Profit, as they dive into the power of strategic partnerships that drive lasting impact. New Profit goes beyond funding, offering guidance, support, and collaboration to turn bold visions into sustainable realities. If you're passionate about making a difference, this episode shares how to build meaningful, long-term change!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: How New Profit collaborates with philanthropists, donors, and leaders.  Unforgettable examples of lasting change sparked by bold partnerships. Why giving nonprofits unrestricted capital leads to greater results. The powerful role parents play in shaping a child's future to serve others. And much more! New Profit's Website: https://newprofit.org/ Tulaine's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulaine_montgomery/ Tulaine's X: https://x.com/TulaineM Tulaine's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tulainemontgomery/ Tulaine's Podcast: https://tulainemontgomery.com/say-more   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori in a conversation with Isabelle Grosmaitre, Founder and CEO of Goodness & Co., as they explore how businesses can show their contribution and impact on society. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode will leave you rethinking the role of business in creating a better world!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: The concept of "business as a force for good." Three fundamental elements for creating a meaningful business impact. How Goodness & Co helps organizations reinvent themselves for better futures. Brands and companies showcasing positive change and impact. And much more! Goodness & Co Website: https://goodnessandco.one/ Isabelle's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-grosmaitre-changemaker/?locale=en_US   Check out Isabelle's book, Business as a Force for Good: How courageous leaders shift purpose into practice, on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/Business-Force-Good-courageous-practice/dp/2959606906   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori in a conversation with Jessie Freschl, CEO of Freschstyle and Founder of Repurpose Wardrobe, as they explore how luxury fashion can be a catalyst for meaningful change and sustainability. This is just one powerful example of how creativity and purpose can come together to make a lasting impact!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: Jessie's journey from a fashion background to founding Repurpose Wardrobe. The inspiration behind Jessie's decision to create a nonprofit centered around luxury clothing. How fashion can build relationships, foster learning, and develop skills. How Jessie's Renew Program supports and empowers students. And much more! Jessie's Website: https://www.jessiefreschl.com/ Jessie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-freschl-763a5814/ Jessie's Substack: https://www.jessiefreschl.com/substack Jessie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freschstyle/ Repurpose Wardrobe Website: https://shoprepurpose.org/ Repurpose Wardrobe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoprepurpose/ RENEW Program Website: https://shoprepurpose.org/pages/the-curriculum?_ab=0&key=1713198248405   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori as she speaks with Gloria Feldt, Co-Founder and President of Take the Lead, an organization dedicated to advancing women's leadership. Gloria empowers women to embrace their power confidently, joyfully, and with bold intentions, inspiring them to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: Gloria's journey in founding the organization Take the Lead. The concept of reframing power and how it can empower women to embrace leadership roles. Gloria's vision for women's pay, power, and leadership equality. The success stories of women who have gone through Take the Lead's programs. And much more! Gloria's Website: https://gloriafeldt.com/ Gloria's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriafeldt/ Gloria's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GloriaFeldt.PublicFigure Gloria's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriafeldt/ Take The Lead's Website: https://www.taketheleadwomen.com/ Take The Lead's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TakeTheLeadWomen Take The Lead's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeleadwomen/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]   

Join Lori as she chats with Dana Dornsife, Founder of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, about her inspiring journey in philanthropy and healthcare advocacy. After witnessing the challenges of accessing clinical trials and patients' financial burdens, Dana established a nationwide foundation dedicated to making a difference. Her work has had a profound impact not only on cancer patients but also on their families!   Here are the things to expect in this episode: Dana's personal experience that led her to create the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. How the foundation has grown since it started. What inspired Dana to give back, and how her work impacted her children? The foundation's current challenges and its future vision. And much more! Dana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-dornsife-83a7b56/ Dana's Email: [email protected] Lazarex Website: https://lazarex.org/ Lazarex Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LazarexCancerFoundation Lazarex Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lazarexcf/ Lazarex LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lazarex-cancer-foundation/   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]