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In this third installment of our Big Day of Giving series with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, I'm talking, once again, with Chief Philanthropy Officer Kelly Siefkin to explore one of the most exciting new opportunities in local giving: the Impact Collaborative.

This episode breaks down how anyone—yes, anyone—can step into philanthropy through a simple, accessible model. For just $300 annually (or $25/month), individuals can join a giving circle that pools resources, builds knowledge, and empowers members to collectively decide where grant dollars go.

We also dig into the broader concept of giving circles—how they work, why they’re growing in popularity, and how you can even start your own with friends, colleagues, or community groups.

As Big Day of Giving approaches, this conversation highlights a powerful truth: philanthropy isn’t reserved for the few—it’s available to all of us.

💡 Why It Matters

This episode reframes philanthropy as something inclusive, social, and learnable—not just transactional.

The Impact Collaborative lowers the barrier to entry while increasing engagement, education, and community connection. It’s not just about giving—it’s about understanding where your dollars go and having a voice in the outcome.

For many, Big Day of Giving is the first step. The Impact Collaborative is how that step turns into a sustained journey.

For more information, visit https://www.sacregcf.org/

You can also make the call to learn more: 916-921-7723

Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

In this episode, I sit down with Katie Campbell from RedRover to explore a critical but often overlooked reality—people in crisis may delay or avoid seeking safety because they can’t bring their pets with them.

We unpack how RedRover is addressing this gap through emergency veterinary grants, domestic violence safe housing support, disaster response, and youth education programs. From wildfire deployments to quiet, behind-the-scenes grant work, this conversation reveals how compassion for animals directly impacts human safety and decision-making.

What stood out most is this: protecting pets isn’t separate from protecting people—it’s deeply connected.

💡 Why It Matters

Too often, systems designed to help people in crisis overlook one critical piece—their pets.

When nearly all survivors say their decision to leave is influenced by whether their pet can come with them, this isn’t a niche issue—it’s a major barrier to safety.

Organizations like RedRover aren’t just helping animals. They’re removing barriers, accelerating escape from dangerous situations, and preserving the emotional bonds that help people heal.

This is what real, holistic support looks like.

To learn more about RedRover visit their website: https://redrover.org/

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction to RedRover and the human-animal bond
02:00 – Katie’s story and the “lightbulb moment”
04:30 – What RedRover does: core programs overview
07:30 – Pets and domestic violence: the hidden barrier to leaving
11:00 – Expanding into homelessness and broader crisis support
13:30 – Scaling nationally and building partnerships
17:00 – Funding model and donor-driven sustainability
19:30 – The big vision: working themselves out of a job
23:00 – Training communities and breaking down silos
28:00 – Educating youth and building long-term compassion

Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...

This episode focuses on how donors can engage in Big Day of Giving beyond just making a financial contribution. I'm speaking again, with Kelly Siefkin, Chief Philanthropy Officer. While online donations remain the most common, donors can also give through donor-advised funds, stock contributions, qualified charitable distributions, and even by pledging volunteer hours or in-kind support.

We explore key trends shaping modern philanthropy—especially the rise of donor-advised funds, employer matching, and the growing impact of collective giving, where even small contributions add up to significant community-wide impact. With over $13 million raised last year, it’s clear that participation at every level matters.

The episode also introduces new tools like the Discovery Assistant to help donors easily find organizations aligned with their interests, making it simpler than ever to support both familiar causes and discover new ones.

At its core, this conversation reinforces a powerful idea: philanthropy is for everyone. Whether it’s $10, time volunteered, or a long-term giving strategy, Big Day of Giving is an accessible entry point—and a catalyst—for deeper, ongoing community impact.

Visit: https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/

Thank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story! We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/ And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.