Philanthropy Speaks

Investing in Women and Girls with Brandee Cooke-Brown and Ariana Heath

What started with a $2,000 gift in 1985 has grown into over a million dollar fund transforming the lives of women and girls in Flint and Genesee County.In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Becky Pettengill talks with Probate Judge Ariana Heath and nonprofit leader Brandee Cooke Brown about their work on the Flint Women and Girls Fund Advisory Committee at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.  From funding youth sports programs and creative arts initiatives like Amplify Her to awarding scholarships and honoring trailblazers through the Libby Award, discover how this fund is investing in the next generation of women leaders. Plus, Ariana and Brandee get personal about raising fearless daughters, the women who shaped their paths, and why nothing is too big to dream. Visit cfgf.org to learn more or give to the Flint Women and Girls Fund.  Nominate someone for the Libby Award: cfgf.org/libbyaward26  Support the show

Civic Health with Patrick McNeal

What does civic health look like in action? It starts with neighbors who know each other, trust each other, and show up.In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Damon Ross talks with Patrick McNeal, Director of the North Flint Neighborhood Action Council and leader of Civic Flint, about grassroots civic engagement in Flint and Genesee County.Patrick shares how Civic Saturdays brings blue-collar leaders together to build relationships, strengthen neighborhood leadership, and turn small moments, even handing out freeze pops, into lasting community change.Together, they discuss barriers to civic participation, the importance of resident voice, and why strong communities depend on deep listening and shared ownership.If you care about community organizing, neighborhood leadership, or active citizenship in Flint, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration.Visit cfgf.org to get involved. Support the show

10 Years of the Flint Kids Fund with Dr. Mona Hanna

We’re back with a new season of Philanthropy Speaks!In this season-opening episode, host Lydia Starrs from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint looks back on 10 years of the Flint Kids Fund and what it has meant for Flint families since it was created after the water crisis.Lydia is joined by Dr. Mona Hanna, pediatrician, public health advocate, founding donor of the Flint Kids Fund, and founder of Rx Kids, along with Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Together, they talk about how Flint chose a different path by focusing on prevention, listening to community voices, and investing in youth for the long haul.The conversation reflects on what the Flint Kids Fund helped spark across the community, how Rx Kids is changing what support can look like for families from the very beginning, and what the next decade of youth health and wellbeing in Flint and Genesee County could hold. It’s an honest look at what’s worked, what’s still needed, and why collective giving continues to matter.Learn more about the Flint Kids Fund at cfgf.org/flintkidsfund. Learn more about Rx Kids at rxkids.org. Support the show

Youth Leading Change: Inside CFGF’s Youth Advisory Committees

Discover how young leaders are shaping the future of Genesee County in this episode of Philanthropy Speaks. Host Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, talks with Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members Milana Kia and Elijah Lynch about the power of youth leadership, youth-led grantmaking, and community involvement.Milana and Elijah share how participating in YAC helps high school students identify community needs, make data-informed funding decisions, and develop essential skills such as public speaking, advocacy, collaboration, and strategic thinking. The episode explores the mission of Youth Advisory Committees, their impact on local nonprofits, and how youth philanthropy creates long-term change in Flint and Genesee County.Join us to learn how these young leaders are creating real change and inspiring others to get involved in their communities.Support the show

Empowering Women and Families with DeAndra Larkin

Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to domestic violence and sexual assault, which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, sits down with DeAndra Larkin, CEO of YWCA Greater Flint, to recognize Week Without Violence and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Together, they discuss how YWCA Greater Flint is creating spaces of healing, empowerment, and advocacy through programs like the Mother-Daughter Retreat and P.E.A.C.E. Healing Program.The conversation explores the organization’s deep roots in the community, the urgent need for housing and sustained funding for survivors, and how collaboration across sectors can help build a safer future for all.To learn more about YWCA Greater Flint, visit ywcaflint.org00:00 Introduction to Philanthropy Speaks00:11 YWCA Week Without Violence00:25 Meet DeAndra Larkin, CEO of YWCA Greater Flint01:37 YWCA's Mission and Services02:36 DeAndra's Journey to YWCA03:21 Supporting Women and Girls in the Community08:24 Current Needs at YWCA10:39 P.E.A.C.E. Healing Program13:02 Week Without Violence Campaign19:20 Advocacy and Policy Changes21:59 Envisioning a Community Without Violence22:32 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the show