In this episode of The Simple Charity Podcast, host Brian Grasso interviews Christy Smucker, founder of The Mom Community, a nonprofit organization in Atlanta dedicated to supporting vulnerable mothers. Christy shares her personal journey of opening her home to help young mothers in difficult situations and how she eventually formalized that work into a structured organization. The Mom Community provides comprehensive support — from housing to emotional and material assistance — for mothers in vulnerable circumstances.
In the episode of the Simple Charity Podcast, host Brian Grasso talks with Beth Vanderbeck and her team from Morningstar Children and Family Services, a residential home in Brunswick, Georgia, dedicated to serving children in foster care with special needs. Morningstar provides a safe and nurturing environment, with a staff trained to handle the complex needs of the youth in their care.
On this episode of The Simple Charity Podcast, our conversation with Justin Lonas explores the role of love and spirituality in philanthropy, discussing how financial mechanisms connect to the mission of promoting human well-being. It addresses the difference between measurable activities and spiritual outcomes, and how linear logic models may fail to capture the true essence of spiritual transformation. We also explore how spiritual formation and unconditional love guide effective philanthropic work and reflects on the importance of availability and love in daily life. We hope this episode inspires you to take a look at how love guides your day to day!
On this episode of The Simple Charity podcast, hosted by Brian Grasso, we explore urgent topics such as the global water crisis, the link between poverty and violence, and the importance of sustainable development through the experiences and insights of Joshua Kurtz, leader of the Ayin Project. We also are treated to more insight on the water crisis from returning guest, Griffin Storm.
On this episode of the Simple Charity Podcast, the conversation today features an interview with Sarah Beth Fentress, Executive Director of 127 Worldwide, a nonprofit organization focused on forming partnerships with local leaders to implement their visions. The discussion touches on concepts like cultural humility and the importance of creating real, sustainable impact in vulnerable communities. It also highlights aspects of Sarah's personal and professional life, as well as her experience managing these partnerships over 14 years of international work. We hope this episode inspires you to explore what it means to show cultural humility in your own life!
In this episode of the Simple Charity podcast, host Brian Grasso interviews Steve Steddom, the former executive director of a foundation that chose to "sunset"—that is, to donate all its funds until the principal capital was fully distributed. During the interview, they discuss the experience of giving away over $100 million, the growing trend of foundations choosing to sunset, the importance of building effective relationships between funders and nonprofit organizations, and how to engage in philanthropy with love and commitment. They also highlight the need for effective communication and the idea of fostering collaboration between foundations and organizations. We hope this episode inspires you to find new ways to give to your community!
This episode of the Simple Charity podcast features Alex Grant, a member of Venture, a nonprofit organization that brings hope to places that need it. The episode discusses the impact of the March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar within the broader context of long-standing political and economic instability. Alex highlights Venture’s holistic mission, which focuses on sustainable community development and church planting, particularly in unreached and underdeveloped regions of Southeast Asia. The conversation emphasizes humanitarian responses to the earthquake and other challenges, and explores the role of the private sector in filling gaps left by USAID cuts. We hope this episode inspires you to bring hope to somewhere that needs it.
In this episode of the Simple Charity Podcast, hosted by Brian Grasso, we discuss the ongoing work of the college chapters of IJM (International Justice Mission) and are joined by presidents of their respective chapters, Sydney Baker and Bethany Waters, who share their experiences leading initiatives to combat human trafficking and violence against the poor. In addition, the episode explores the benefits of having a Christian community focused on an external purpose beyond the community itself. We hope that this episode inspires you to discover your balance between developing your internal community and commitment to outward acts of service towards others!
In this episode we have the pleasure of interviewing Amy and Clay Churchill of Just One Africa, a nonprofit that has been working for the past 13 years to provide access to safe drinking water in Kenya. The organization began by distributing 60 water filters in 2012 and since then has distributed around 14,000 filters and benefited nearly 300,000 people. Through partnerships with local leaders, Just One Africa not only addresses water issues but also supports the education and well-being of children and underserved communities.
Amy and Clay talk about the agency each of us has to make a difference as we depend on the Lord. Listen for an inspiring and challenging conversation with two faithful nonprofit leaders!
In this episode, we explore how education can be a powerful force for community transformation. Learn how Edify International is using microfinance to support private Christian schools across Africa and Latin America, creating sustainable impact at a remarkably low cost. We also dive into the inspiring story of Atlanta Youth Academy and discuss whether churches should broaden how they consider their involvement in local service.
On this episode of the Simple Charity Podcast, we got to dive into the inspiring story of Griffin Storm and Nicholas Hathaway, two young men who founded the Norman Water Club at their high school in Oklahoma to raise funds and awareness about the global water crisis. Together, they raised over $60,000 to provide access to clean drinking water for people in need around the world. Throughout the episode, we cover how important leadership, service, and the impact of active empathy in the face of global crises is in today's world. We hope this episode inspires you to make an impact in your community!
In this episode of the Simple Charity Podcast, host Brian Grasso interviews Susan McSwain, Executive Director of Reality Ministries in Durham, North Carolina. The conversation explores some of the challenges faced by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and how these experiences can teach us about belonging. Susan shares insights on the ministry’s organizational development, the need for authentic inclusion, and the transformative impact of mutual relationships. We hope that the conversations in this episode inspire you to build communities that value unconditional love and belonging from the very beginning!
Welcome to the Simple Charity Podcast, hosted by Brian Grasso. This podcast is about learning to love like Jesus in a crazy and complex world.
On this intro episode, we have three special guests: Brian's wife, Savanna, and two of his best friends, Matthew Brague and Chris Kuo.
Brian introduces the podcast to his wife and friends, and they give him feedback on what issues to cover and what challenges they experience that hinder them from loving like Jesus.
Then, his wife and friends introduce Brian to you. This is your podcast, and as we’re launching, please reach out if you know someone we should interview, something we should cover, or anything that we get right, or wrong, along the way. Send Brian an email at brian@simplecharity.org.
