The PM Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: Good People Do Good Things: A Conversation with Dwayne Ashley
Host: Jay Frost
Guest: Duane Ashley, Founder and CEO of Bridge Philanthropic Consulting
Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The PM Podcast, host Jay Frost engages in an insightful conversation with Duane Ashley, the founder and CEO of Bridge Philanthropic Consulting. Duane, a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience, shares his personal and professional journey, shedding light on his commitment to social justice, philanthropy, and equity in fundraising.

Early Life and Family Influence

Duane Ashley's dedication to service and philanthropy was deeply rooted in his family's legacy. Growing up in Houston, Texas, Duane was inspired by his entrepreneurial mother and grandparents, who actively contributed to their community.

"My great grandmother was a great midwife in Louisiana. She amassed about 200 acres of land and she donated the land for the first school in Heflin, Louisiana to be built that educated..."
[07:04]

These early experiences instilled in Duane the importance of giving back, a value that has guided his career trajectory.

Educational Journey and Early Career

Duane attended a United Negro College Fund (UNCF) school, benefiting from multiple scholarships which fueled his passion for fundraising.

"I received several scholarships, and I will name them because I'm very grateful... I got to see the value of people giving so that someone else could get an education."
[09:07]

During his college years, Duane was heavily involved in fundraising efforts, serving as the national vice president of the National Pre Alumni Council, where he helped raise substantial funds for HBCUs.

Breakthrough in Philanthropy: United Way and UNCF

After college, Duane embarked on his fundraising career with United Way, receiving rigorous training and managing significant corporate campaigns. His dedication and success in this role paved the way for his transition to the United Negro College Fund.

"It was some of the best training, Jay, you could get. The way that they taught you how to approach fundraising, how to build relationships..."
[15:58]

At UNCF, Duane quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest acting area director at just 23 years old, overseeing major fundraising campaigns across multiple states.

Leadership Roles and Expanding Influence

Duane's career continued to ascend as he took on leadership roles in prominent organizations. He served as the first national executive director of 100 Black Men of America, a major mentoring organization, and later became the CEO of the Thurgood Marshall Fund.

"One thing I see common with people who lead things is they have this insatiable commitment to ensure the organization or the company is successful."
[48:38]

These roles not only solidified his expertise in fundraising but also deepened his commitment to social justice and community empowerment.

Founding Bridge Philanthropic Consulting

In 2016, leveraging his extensive experience and driven by the lack of black-owned fundraising firms, Duane founded Bridge Philanthropic Consulting. His vision was to create a full-service fundraising firm dedicated to social justice, arts, and preserving HBCUs.

"The original vision was to create a full service fundraising firm because there were no black owned firms... We bring to that the same kind of cultural understanding I've learned throughout, that's been woven throughout my career."
[49:03]

Since its inception, Bridge Philanthropic has grown exponentially, raising over $2 billion for approximately 250 clients and expanding its team to 105 consultants.

Impact and Achievements

Bridge Philanthropic Consulting has been instrumental in managing significant projects like the Harlem African Burial Ground Project, showcasing Duane's commitment to culturally sensitive and impactful philanthropy.

"We've raised about $2 billion since we've been starting... We've served about 250 clients. We now have 105 consultants that work with us."
[55:32]

Duane emphasizes the importance of leadership in nonprofit success, asserting that "people give to people, not to organizations." This philosophy underscores the firm's client-centric approach.

Philosophy on Social Justice and Community Engagement

Duane delves into the nuanced differences between DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and social justice, highlighting the latter as fundamental to civil rights and legal frameworks.

"DEI is policy. Social justice is law, Civil rights, and social justice is the law... We have to find how we meet in the middle to make sure that we achieve those goals to keep our community strong."
[58:50]

He advocates for bridging ideological divides to foster collaborative efforts in community improvement, emphasizing shared goals over partisan differences.

Personal Reflections and Future Vision

Duane shares his optimistic outlook, drawing inspiration from past societal challenges overcome through unity and resilience.

"We're going to get through this, and the world is going to survive."
[62:41]

Looking ahead, Bridge Philanthropic Consulting aims to expand its impact globally, assisting developing countries in building their philanthropic infrastructures and supporting social justice initiatives worldwide.

Conclusion

Duane Ashley's journey from a scholarship student to the CEO of a leading fundraising firm exemplifies the profound impact of dedication, mentorship, and a commitment to social justice. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring changemakers, demonstrating that good people indeed do good things to reshape our world.

Notable Quotes:

• "People give to people, not to organizations."
    — Duane Ashley [24:32]

• "Being who I am has gotten me into trouble, but it has made me who I am today."
    — Duane Ashley [40:47]

• "Good people do good things and want to make a difference in the world."
    — Duane Ashley [64:18]

Resources:

• Bridge Philanthropic Consulting: bridgephilanthropicconsulting.com
• Donor Search: Sponsor of the podcast episode, leading in AI-powered fundraising intelligence.

This summary captures the essence of Duane Ashley's conversation on The PM Podcast, highlighting his personal journey, professional milestones, and unwavering commitment to fostering social justice through effective fundraising and community engagement.