{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"E10 S14 Building a Purpose Driven Career in Philanthropy","description":"This episode of the Social Change Career Podcast features a thoughtful and practical conversation between Craig Zelizer and Brad Smith, founder of Rootstock Philanthropy and the Philanthropy Network. Brad\u2019s entry into fundraising was unplanned\u2014driven by financial necessity\u2014but evolved into a decades-long career advising institutions like MIT, the Portland Museum of Art, Suffolk University, and the Partnership on AI. In this episode, Brad shares hard-earned lessons on how to build a meaningful and sustainable career in philanthropy, even amid burnout, changing donor landscapes, and rising ethical questions. What the episode covers: \u2022 How to enter the fundraising world without prior experience \u2022 Why early-career professionals should prioritize mentorship and learning environments \u2022 Behind-the-scenes lessons from major campaigns at institutions like MIT \u2022 How to assess nonprofit culture and avoid burnout \u2022 Building authentic donor relationships grounded in ethics and gratitude \u2022 Clarifying the roles of fundraising, development, and advancement \u2022 The limits of philanthropy without systemic public policy change \u2022 How AI and tech are shaping (and challenging) the future of fundraising &amp;nbsp; Resources and links mentioned in the episode: \u2022 Rootstock Philanthropy \u2013 Brad\u2019s consultancy focused on campaign strategy, coaching, and organizational growth https:\/\/www.rootstockphilanthropy.org \u2022 The Philanthropy Network (LinkedIn Group) \u2013 A free global community of over 120,000 nonprofit and fundraising professionals https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/groups\/13605390\/ \u2022 The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist \u2013 A foundational book on aligning money with purpose and humanity https:\/\/soulofmoney.org\/books\/ \u2022 Wealth in Families by Charles Collier \u2013 A guide to values-based family giving and stewardship https:\/\/www.charlescollier.info\/book \u2022 Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas \u2013 A critique of how elite philanthropy often perpetuates inequality https:\/\/us.macmillan.com\/books\/9781101972670\/winnerstakeall \u2022 Trust-Based Philanthropy Project \u2013 A resource hub for funders and nonprofits advancing equity and transparency https:\/\/www.trustbasedphilanthropy.org\/ \u2022 AFP Global (Association of Fundraising Professionals) \u2013 The professional home for fundraisers, offering certifications, trainings, and ethical standards https:\/\/afpglobal.org\/ \u2022 Philanthropy.Network \u2013 Brad\u2019s digital platform offering curated content and updates for fundraising leaders https:\/\/philanthropy.network \u2022 Philanthropy Network Academy \u2013 Online learning and cohort-based development for fundraisers and nonprofit professionals https:\/\/www.philanthropy.network\/academy &amp;nbsp; About Brad Smith Brad is the founder of Rootstock Philanthropy, a global fundraising and strategy consultancy working with mission-driven organizations. He also leads the Philanthropy Network, a 120,000+ member learning community. His clients include MIT, World Horse Welfare, the Portland Museum of Art, and the Partnership on AI. Whether you're new to fundraising, considering a career shift, or leading within a nonprofit\u2014this episode delivers candid insights and practical tools for building a career with purpose.  &amp;nbsp;PCDN Resources   Subscribe to the PCDN Career Digest Curated global jobs, funding, and resources for social impact careers https:\/\/pcdn.global\/subscribe   Listen to More Episodes Conversations with over 180 changemakers in 30+ countries https:\/\/pcdn.global\/listen   Subscribe to the AI for Impact Newsletter Tools, jobs, and insights at the intersection of AI and social good https:\/\/impactai.beehiiv.com   ","author_name":"The Social Change Career Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/pcdnetwork.org\/the-social-change-career-podcast\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/36562700\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/074a9c\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/36562700"}