Podcast Summary: "People-Powered: A Conversation with Sara Lomelin"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The PM Podcast
• Host: Jay Frost
• Guest: Sara Lomelin
• Release Date: February 14, 2025

Introduction to Sara Lomelin

In this enlightening episode of The PM Podcast, host Jay Frost engages in a profound conversation with Sara Lomelin, a renowned philanthropy disruptor and the founding CEO of Philanthropy Together. Sara is celebrated for creating the Latino Giving Circle Network, the largest network of Latinx philanthropists in the United States, and is recognized as a TED speaker on Forbes' 50 Over 50 Impact List. Her passion lies in democratizing philanthropy and empowering individuals to become philanthropists.

Sara Lomelin [00:00]: "Especially in a time like this when there is so much polarization and division, giving circles can offer again this space to find, you know, to look people in the eyes, in the eyes to find the humanity of one another..."

Sara's Origin Story: From Mexico City to the Heart of Philanthropy

Sara begins by sharing her deep-rooted connection to her Mexican heritage while embracing her life in the United States.

Sara Lomelin [01:19]: "I feel 100% Mexican and 100% American at the end of the day because my group of friends... is incredibly international."

Sara recounts her upbringing in Mexico City, her education in an all-girls Catholic school led by French nuns, and her initial foray into the corporate world. Her early career in internal communications and managing a call center taught her the importance of human connection and customer service.

Transitioning to Entrepreneurship and Volunteering

Sara's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish a small business producing baby sleeping bags for car seats and strollers. Although the venture was short-lived, it provided invaluable lessons in business management.

During her time in Texas, Sara became deeply involved in her children's public elementary school. As a dedicated volunteer—serving as room mom and grade level coordinator—she organically began organizing fundraising efforts. This period marked the inception of her involvement with giving circles.

Sara Lomelin [08:32]: "It was basically a giving circle. We started raising half a million dollars a year at some point, from a group of 40 women."

Founding the Latino Giving Circle Network

In 2010, Sara returned to the Bay Area and joined the Latino Community Foundation in San Francisco. Despite having no prior experience in nonprofit work, her passion for making a difference propelled her forward. Sara pioneered the creation of the San Francisco Latina Giving Circle, which quickly expanded to include multiple circles across California, including Pleasanton, East Bay, and the Peninsula.

Sara Lomelin [17:27]: "The act of giving should be joyful. It's a privilege to give... to give your money, your talents, your time, your voice."

Sara highlights the transformative power of giving circles in fostering community, facilitating meaningful conversations, and empowering individuals to collectively contribute to causes they care about.

Expanding the Movement: Philanthropy Together

In 2017, Sara played a pivotal role in collaborating with major foundations like the Gates Foundation to amplify the giving circle movement. This collaboration led to the commissioning of extensive research and the establishment of Philanthropy Together—a global initiative aimed at democratizing and diversifying philanthropy.

Sara Lomelin [36:20]: "We wanted to put together a plan... and involve more than 100 people in this funders, academics, researchers, giving circle leaders, giving circle members..."

In 2019, just as Sara was preparing to fully dedicate herself to Philanthropy Together, the COVID-19 pandemic erupted. Undeterred, Sara navigated the challenges of simultaneously managing her role at Opportunity Fund and launching Philanthropy Together from scratch. The pandemic inadvertently accelerated the organization's virtual programming, making philanthropy more accessible on a global scale.

Sara Lomelin [45:34]: "It was the perfect timing... our programming was always going to be virtual because we were a national organization."

Overcoming Challenges and Building a Resilient Team

Balancing professional responsibilities and personal life during the pandemic posed significant challenges for Sara. However, her resilience and the unwavering support of her team enabled Philanthropy Together to thrive.

Sara Lomelin [50:42]: "I have a incredible hard-working team. I'm grateful for all the people that have come along the way in very unexpected ways..."

Sara emphasizes the importance of authenticity, trust, and strong relationships with funders. She credits her team's dedication and the generosity of pro bono contributors for the organization's successful branding and talent acquisition.

Impact and Growth of Giving Circles

Philantropy Together has witnessed exponential growth, catalyzing the giving circle movement to new heights. Recent research commissioned by Sara reveals that the movement has expanded to over 4,000 giving circles in the U.S., involving 370,000 people and mobilizing $3.1 billion in the past six years alone.

Sara Lomelin [59:58]: "Just in the past six years, the giving circle movement in the US grew from 1600 giving circles to more than 4000 giving circles, involving 370,000 people..."

Sara believes that giving circles play a crucial role in bridging societal divides, fostering community, and reigniting civic engagement. She advocates for the movement's potential to influence big philanthropy by emphasizing collective giving and everyday donors.

Sara Lomelin [57:00]: "Collective giving and especially giving circles and everyday donors is not only about moving more money, but it's about... we cannot afford to have generations of people that are apathetic and that they don't engage and they are not involved in civic life and in service."

Looking Ahead: A Hope for a Unified Future

As the conversation concludes, Sara expresses unwavering optimism about the giving circle movement's ability to combat polarization and foster unity.

Sara Lomelin [61:06]: "I really believe that, you know... going back to basics... Giving circles are the perfect solution for finding a sense of belonging, can open a space for discourse with people with different perspectives..."

Sara envisions a future where philanthropy together continues to democratize giving, fostering inclusive and diverse communities that work collaboratively towards positive societal change.

Notable Quotes:

• Sara Lomelin [00:00]: "Especially in a time like this when there is so much polarization and division, giving circles can offer again this space to find... humanity of one another..."

• Sara Lomelin [08:32]: "We started raising half a million dollars a year at some point, from a group of 40 women."

• Sara Lomelin [17:27]: "The act of giving should be joyful. It's a privilege to give..."

• Sara Lomelin [36:20]: "We wanted to put together a plan... and involve more than 100 people..."

• Sara Lomelin [50:42]: "I have a incredible hard-working team. I'm grateful for all the people that have come along the way in very unexpected ways..."

• Sara Lomelin [59:58]: "Just in the past six years, the giving circle movement... has mobilized $3.1 billion..."

• Sara Lomelin [61:06]: "Giving circles are the perfect solution for finding a sense of belonging..."

Conclusion

This episode of The PM Podcast offers a deep dive into Sara Lomelin's inspiring journey from corporate executive to a leading figure in the philanthropy movement. Her work with Philanthropy Together and the Latino Giving Circle Network underscores the transformative power of collective giving and the profound impact it can have on communities worldwide. Sara's dedication to fostering unity, trust, and active civic engagement serves as a beacon for future philanthropists aiming to make meaningful societal contributions.

Additional Information: To learn more about Philanthropy Together and join the movement, visit PhilanthropyTogether.org.