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Unfunded List Open Door Philanthropy

Unfunded List Open Door Philanthropy

By: Unfunded List Open Door Philanthropy
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Unfunded List’s Open Door Philanthropy Podcast gathers philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers of all stripes. Hosted by Dave Moss, who founded Unfunded List in 2015 to help make sure that the next generation of changemakers get the feedback and recognition they need to be successful. Our mission is to demystify and open the door to private philanthropy for the general public while providing a platform for our guests to discuss their life's work. Unfunded List reviews funding proposals twice annually from small and mid-size nonprofits and social impact startups. The 200+ philanthropy experts on our evaluation committee give helpful and candid feedback about each grant proposal’s weaknesses & strengths. Then we publish the best proposals to our list that we circulate to a rolodex of foundations and philanthropists in the hopes that we can find some funding and partnerships for these amazing unfunded proposals. Unfunded List is currently accepting proposals for our Spring 2019 evaluation round until March 15, 2019. We invite your org to join the Unfunded List awardees and 100+ other projects that our funding evaluators have given feedback to since 2015. Find out more and submit at www.unfundedlist.com.

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All rights reserved Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Susan Davis - Author, Bulls**t Without Borders

    Susan Davis - Author, Bulls**t Without Borders
    Jun 12 2026
    What if our best intentions aren't enough? In this episode of Open Door Philanthropy, Margaret Chapman sits down with Susan Davis, author of Bullshit Without Borders: Let's Change the Way We Change the World, to explore the uncomfortable truths about international development and philanthropy. Drawing on more than three decades of experience across nonprofits, foundations, USAID-funded programs, and the global water sector, Susan challenges us to rethink what it means to help. Together, they discuss power, accountability, locally led solutions, and how donors and practitioners can move beyond charity as usual toward more effective and equitable approaches to social change.

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Bill Villafranco - Open Door Philanthropy with Dave Moss

    Bill Villafranco - Open Door Philanthropy with Dave Moss
    Apr 23 2026

    Willam Villafranco's Personal Background and Path to Wall Street


    Bill discussed his childhood, sports, and an early memory of generosity.

    A college entrepreneurial venture solidified his interest in business and Wall Street.

    He described Wall Street as a place to help people attain goals.


    Place-Based Philanthropy and the Colby College Model

    The conversation pivoted to philanthropy's role in revitalizing local communities.

    Colby College was highlighted as a model for place-based institutional investment.

    Private philanthropy can lead the charge in regentrification of an area.


    The Origin Story of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation

    Bill detailed his relationship with client and mentor, Virginia Toulmin.

    Her estate plan created a $140 million foundation with no direction.

    She entrusted three trustees to manage the foundation with flexibility and her values.

    Foundation Operations and Invitation-Only Grantmaking

    The foundation operates with three trustees and no additional staff members.

    It follows a strict by-invitation-only policy to manage grant requests effectively.


    Grant seekers must find a common person to facilitate an introduction.

    Practicing Trust-Based Philanthropy

    Virginia's philosophy was 'show me how much I should trust you.'

    The foundation encourages open dialogue about both successes and struggles.

    Being a partner means stepping up to help during difficult periods.


    Navigating Dual Roles and Conflicts of Interest

    Bill discussed being both a grantmaker and a nonprofit executive director.

    He detailed the process for managing the conflict of interest transparently.

    Being on both sides provides a valuable perspective on the funding process.


    Challenges Facing the Nonprofit Sector

    Bill identified board composition and engagement as a major challenge for nonprofits.

    Low pay for nonprofit staff is a huge problem within the sector.

    Cuts in federal funding have increased the demand on private philanthropy.


    The Role of AI and the Importance of Funder Communication

    AI is a useful tool but doesn't replace the relationship aspect of philanthropy.

    Bill urged funders to communicate rejections clearly and respectfully to grant seekers.

    Clear communication allows nonprofits to be more productive with their time.

    Building a Legacy and Final Reflections - 12%

    Bill shared a story about a nursing school in Thailand as an example.

    The foundation is building Virginia's legacy through scholarships, a documentary, and books.

    The interview concluded on the importance of understanding philanthropy's history and impact.

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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Jud Fisher - President & Chief Executive Officer - The Ball Brothers Foundation

    Jud Fisher - President & Chief Executive Officer - The Ball Brothers Foundation
    Aug 27 2025
    A Michigan native, Jud Fisher is a graduate of DePauw University and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He joined Ball Brothers Foundation in 2003 after working for Old National Bancorp. In addition to his duties as president and chief executive officer of BBF, he serves on the boards of several regional and statewide organizations including the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, IU Health East Central Region Board of Directors, Edmund F. & Virginia B. Ball Foundation, Muncie Aviation Company, First Merchants Corporation, and Burris Laboratory School’s Owl Academic & Athletic Boosters. He is the great-grandson of Ball Brothers Foundation founder Edmund B. Ball. As president and chief executive officer, Jud leads a dedicated board and staff in carrying out the mission of the Ball Brothers Foundation.

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    1 hr and 47 mins
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