Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast - What's Your Why?

In this episode of the Night Owl Philanthropy podcast, host Dean Jones speaks with Bianca Robinson, CEO of CEO Sleep Out, about her journey into philanthropy and the pressing issue of homelessness. 

Bianca shares her personal connection to the cause, the mission of CEO Sleep Out, and the importance of engaging business leaders in social responsibility. The conversation explores the realities of homelessness, the hidden struggles faced by many, and the increasing trends in homelessness across the UK. 

In this episode, Dean Jones speaks with Jordan Letts, Chief Executive of Northampton Saints Foundation, about how rugby can be used as a force for good, and the foundation’s work supporting young people and vulnerable adults across the community. Jordan reflects on his own leadership journey, the importance of collaboration with local partners, and how the foundation creates education, employment and inclusion opportunities that help people build brighter futures. The conversation also explores the power of rugby values like teamwork and respect, the role of vulnerability and trust in leadership, and the foundation’s ambitions for long-term sustainability through future capital projects. It’s a thoughtful and compelling discussion for charity leaders, community partners and funders who want to understand what genuine sport for development looks like in practice. Listen on all major platforms – Spotify, Apple Podcasts.

In this episode Simon Green, Chief Executive of YMCA South Midlands, about the raw personal experiences – a close friend's time in hostel accommodation over 20 years ago, and the devastating loss of someone dear who lived there and died from addiction – that drove him to dedicate his life to youth homelessness.  Simon opens up on the brutal intertwining of poor mental health, addiction and isolation that traps young people, and how YMCA MK works alongside them to build new starts – the unvarnished stories of lives turned around, second chances seized, and the quiet dignity of giving someone the shot at life they deserve. It's a story laced with resilience and determination, but also the high stakes, relentless stress and profound rewards of leadership when the stakes couldn't be higher.  Real talk for charity leaders, local decision-makers and funders who want to grasp what it truly takes to stand with young people on the brink.  Listen on all major platforms – Spotify, Apple Podcasts,

In this episode Lorraine Lewis, Co‑Founder and CEO of The Lewis Foundation shares the story of how a deeply personal family experience led to the creation of a charity that now provides free gift packs to adult cancer patients across multiple hospitals. She talks about how those early days on the ward shaped the Foundation’s mission, how the charity has grown operationally, and some of the challenges along the way. We explore the importance of emotional care alongside clinical treatment, the crucial role volunteers and community supporters play, and why visibility and awareness really matter for patients who often feel forgotten. Lorraine also reflects on the recognition the Foundation has received and her hopes for the future – from enhancing patient care to influencing how society thinks about comfort, dignity and compassion in cancer treatment.  If you find this conversation helpful or moving, please like, comment, and subscribe to the channel, and follow the Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast on your preferred platform. 

In this episode, I speak with Jon Manning, founder of the The Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation, about his journey from lived experience of abuse, long NHS waits and personal crisis to building a nationwide mental health support organisation - starting with just 57p in his bank account...

Jon shares how his team is changing the conversation around mental health: providing accessible one‑to‑one support with no waiting lists and no thresholds. We explore leadership under pressure, safeguarding, self‑care, and why understanding your 'why’ is essential to building resilient teams and organisations.  

Perfect for charity leaders, mental health practitioners, funders, and partners looking for grounded insights into innovative, lived-experience charity leadership.  

Follow Jon and the The Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation to see how they’re reimagining support for mental health across the UK. 

Vicky shares her path into charity and why it’s more than a job. She’s candid on fundraising’s emotional toll with £100k+ daily costs - and why resilience, peer support and strong leadership matter most.
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We discuss children’s hospice fundraising pressures and wins, how retail, community, corporate and individual gifts sustain care, collaboration across hospices, charities and government, what makes great fundraisers: values, curiosity, courage over targets. Vicky looks ahead to evolving hospice care, risks, opportunities and her optimism for Acorns’ families. This raw conversation is perfect for education and charity fundraisers wanting to know what drives hospice leaders.

If you are a philanthropist, donor or business wishing to support important causes in 2026...Acorn's Children's Hospice may also be a great place to focus your support.