Welcome to the Night Owl Philanthropy Podcast Series: "What’s Your Why?" This is where we go beyond headlines to share the real, honest stories shaping the charity sector. Here, founders, leaders, and change makers open up about what drives them, the challenges they’ve faced, and the heart of their philanthropic journeys.
Whether you’re a fundraiser, philanthropist, charity professional, or simply committed to making a difference, this channel offers genuine insight and inspiration to deepen your connection to giving.
If you’d like to share your story or be featured in an upcoming conversation, we’d love to hear from you.
You can find out more by visiting earlybirdphilanthropy.com
In this episode, Beth Amodio shares the inspiring story of One Warm Coat, highlighting the power of community action, collaboration, and simple acts of kindness that create meaningful impact. Discover how a small idea can scale to a national movement that provides warmth and dignity to those in need.
In this episode, Dean Jones speaks with Peter Murphy-Lewis, President of the Miami County Community Foundation in Kansas, about purpose, community and the power of storytelling. Peter reflects on his journey from international business and television to local philanthropy, explaining how returning home helped him focus on impact over status. He shares insights into the role of community foundations, supporting mental health and strengthening rural communities, while exploring how authentic stories can build trust, create belonging and inspire positive change.
In this episode, Julian Ng, CEO of the Warnborough Foundation, shares insights into his motivation, the foundation's work in education and social impact, and the importance of community-led change. Julian discusses the power of practical support, collaboration and mindset shifts in transforming lives, creating opportunities and strengthening communities. The conversation also explores purpose-driven leadership, empowering others to succeed and the role individuals can play in creating lasting social impact.
In this episode, Nikki Ross shares her journey through policing, civic leadership, and charity work, highlighting the importance of trust, collaboration, and community-driven change. Discover how her diverse experiences inform her approach to social impact and leadership. In this episode, Nikki Ross shares her journey from policing to becoming the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, exploring leadership, neurodiversity, community engagement, and the importance of volunteering. Discover how her experiences and insights can inspire your own path and community involvement.
In this episode of Night Owl Philanthropy - What Is Your Why? - Dean Jones interviews Graham Duxbury, CEO of Groundwork. Graham shares insights on community regeneration, place-based change, and the importance of practical action, long-term thinking, and community empowerment. Discover how Groundwork's model fosters resilient, inclusive communities through partnerships, trust, and persistent effort.
In this episode, Sarah Sweet Rowley from Autism Early Support shares her journey from hospice care to leading a charity dedicated to supporting autistic children and their families. She discusses the evolution of the organisation, the importance of early intervention, and the challenges and successes in the sector.
In this episode, Sarah Hayle, CEO of Community Law Service shares her journey into legal charity leadership, her motivations rooted in justice, and how her organisation supports thousands facing legal and financial challenges. Discover insights on managing a large charity, the impact of volunteering, and the future role of AI in social justice work. In this insightful interview, Sarah Hayle shares her experiences leading the Community Law Service, highlighting the impact of legal aid, collaboration, and resilience in the charity sector. Discover how dedicated support, strategic planning, and community partnerships transform lives and foster hope
In this episode, Dean Jones interviews Josephine McCartney, CEO of the Childhood Trust, to explore the realities of child poverty in London, the impact of social support systems, and innovative approaches to grant making and community collaboration. They discuss how targeted interventions, community engagement, and strategic funding can create lasting change for vulnerable children. In this insightful interview, Josephine McCartney, CEO of The Childhood Trust, shares her journey and the vital work of addressing child poverty in London. She discusses the importance of community, collaboration, and storytelling in creating meaningful change, highlighting how societal attitudes and systemic challenges impact young people's futures.
In this episode, Vicki Beavers, founder and CEO of The Sleep Charity, shares her personal journey with sleep deprivation, the importance of sleep for wellbeing, and how her charity is transforming sleep support across the UK. Discover practical insights, the science behind sleep, and how targeted interventions can change lives. Vicki shares her inspiring journey from personal struggles with sleep to leading the Sleep Charity, highlighting the importance of sleep for health, mental well-being, and societal impact. This episode explores her innovative approaches, partnerships, and insights into transforming sleep issues into a national movement for better health.
In this episode, Michelle Benson shares her journey from fundraising to founding Culture of Philanthropy, reflecting on how charities can build stronger income pipelines by adapting to their external environment, using data well and creating a culture where philanthropy can thrive. She talks about practical fundraising, donor engagement and how to make the process feel more authentic, strategic and sustainable. The conversation also explores how social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok can support fundraising when used with purpose and clarity. It is a thoughtful discussion about building strong organisational foundations and approaching fundraising in a way that is both human and effective.
In this heartfelt episode, Steve Phillip shares the story behind The Jordan Legacy, shaped by the loss of his son to suicide and his determination to help prevent other families from experiencing the same pain. He reflects on grief, hope and the importance of open conversations around suicide prevention and mental health. The interview also explores the role of social media, collaboration and community action in raising awareness and building support. It is a moving conversation about turning personal loss into practical action, and about what it takes to create hope, understanding and change.
Episode 26.
Kathryn Hayes
CEO
Team Fostering
The Heart of Fostering
Night Owl Philanthropy - What Is Your Why?
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