Episode 151: Rethinking Philanthropy: How Business Leaders Can Help Nonprofits Create Lasting Impact
Tue Feb 03 2026
What if philanthropy wasn’t just about writing checks - but about building systems that actually work?In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, host Tosha Anderson sits down with Ed Mitzen, Co-Founder of the Business for Good Foundation, to talk about rethinking traditional philanthropy through a business lens.After selling his for-profit company, Ed and his wife chose a hands-on approach to giving - investing time, talent, and capital into workforce development, housing, entrepreneurship, and underserved communities. Together, they explore how nonprofits, government, and the private sector can collaborate more effectively to create long-term economic mobility instead of short-term fixes.
You’ll hear real examples of:
Using entrepreneurship to reduce reliance on nonprofit servicesPartnering with government to get funding out fasterWhy nonprofit boards need business expertiseHow to engage donors and business leaders beyond writing checksWhat nonprofits should focus on as funding gets tighterIf you’re a nonprofit leader, funder, or board member navigating uncertainty and looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to drive impact - this episode is for you.
Connect with Ed Mitzen
🌐 Website: https://www.bfg.org/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-mitzen/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/businessforgoodfoundation/
Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint
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What if philanthropy wasn’t just about writing checks - but about building systems that actually work?In this episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, host Tosha Anderson sits down with Ed Mitzen, Co-Founder of the Business for Good Foundation, to talk about rethinking traditional philanthropy through a business lens.After selling his for-profit company, Ed and his wife chose a hands-on approach to giving - investing time, talent, and capital into workforce development, housing, entrepreneurship, and underserved communities. Together, they explore how nonprofits, government, and the private sector can collaborate more effectively to create long-term economic mobility instead of short-term fixes. You’ll hear real examples of: Using entrepreneurship to reduce reliance on nonprofit servicesPartnering with government to get funding out fasterWhy nonprofit boards need business expertiseHow to engage donors and business leaders beyond writing checksWhat nonprofits should focus on as funding gets tighterIf you’re a nonprofit leader, funder, or board member navigating uncertainty and looking for smarter, more sustainable ways to drive impact - this episode is for you. Connect with Ed Mitzen 🌐 Website: https://www.bfg.org/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-mitzen/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/businessforgoodfoundation/ Follow Us Online 🌐 Website: www.thecharitycfo.com 📸 Instagram: @thecharitycfo 📘 Facebook: /thecharitycfo 💼 LinkedIn: / the-charity-cfo 🎵 TikTok: @thecharitycfoJoin our newsletter: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/l/995872/2025-02-24/6ldn1Download The Charity CFO Financial Blueprint: https://go.thecharitycfo.com/financial-blueprint