Trust-Based Philanthropy with John Palfrey

The R.A.C.E. Podcast

Philanthropy should focus less on risk and more on trust-based approaches. On today’s episode of the podcast I am honored to be joined by John Palfrey, President of the MacArthur Foundation. Through our partnership over the last 3 years, I have been surprised and inspired by John’s commitment to equity and innovation in the world of Philanthropy. Join us for a poignant discussion around the world of Philanthropy and the journey to integrating equity and socially just practices into the work we do.

Meet John Palfrey

John Palfrey is President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, one of the nation’s largest philanthropies with assets of approximately $7 billion, and offices in Chicago, New Delhi, and Abuja, Nigeria. Palfrey is a well-respected educator, author, legal scholar, and innovator with expertise in how new media is changing learning, education, and other institutions. Palfrey has extensive experience in social change spanning the education, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors.

He is founding board chair of the Digital Public Library of America, and is the former board chair of LRNG, a nonprofit launched and supported by MacArthur. Palfrey has published extensively on how young people learn in a digital era, as well as the effects of new technologies on society at large. Palfrey serves on the board of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and is a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Palfrey holds a JD from Harvard Law School, an MPhil from the University of Cambridge, and an AB from Harvard College.

Listen in as John shares:

• How has seemingly “favorable” identities have shaped who he is and how he seeing the world.
• How his unique family background has informed and inspired his philanthropic journey
• His thoughts on Trust-Based Philanthropy and the need for more of it.
• What other leaders in the Philanthropic world need to remember as they think of new and innovative approaches to Philanthropy.

Resources Mentioned:

• Trust Based Philanthropy: An Overview by Pia Infante

Learn more and connect with John Palfrey and his work with The MacArthur Foundation:

• LinkedIn: John Palfrey
• Website: The MacArthur Foundation

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