Podcast Summary:

Giving Done Right – "Defending the Freedom to Give with Tonya Allen and John Palfrey"

Date: October 16, 2025
Hosts: Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette
Guests: Tonya Allen (President, McKnight Foundation) and John Palfrey (President, MacArthur Foundation)

Overview of the Episode

This episode addresses the mounting challenges facing philanthropy and civil society in the United States. Through an involved conversation with Tonya Allen and John Palfrey—two of the country’s most influential philanthropic leaders—the hosts explore ongoing threats to the freedom of charitable giving, the necessity of defending First Amendment rights in the nonprofit sector, the importance of cross-sector collaboration, and the role of hope and joy in effective giving. Centering on the recently launched "Unite in Advance" initiative, the guests also tackle misconceptions about philanthropy, clarify the real risks in today’s political climate, and offer practical encouragement to individual donors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Purpose and Goals of Unite in Advance

• Unite in Advance is a coalition of organized donors and foundations rallying behind the right to give and invest according to one’s values—a right deeply rooted in American tradition and First Amendment protections.
• The effort seeks to unify philanthropic actors, both institutions and individuals, to defend giving against increasing legislative, regulatory and narrative threats.
• Quote – Tonya Allen [01:34]:
  "We want to make sure that every citizen...has the right to give, that your giving should be able to reflect your values, regardless of what your ideological views are, that you as an American citizen should be able to hug your First Amendment rights and to be able to give in the way that you choose to."

2. Recognizing and Responding to Current Threats

• There have been recent legislative proposals seeking to dramatically increase taxes on foundations, as well as efforts to falsely link philanthropy to political violence.
• Both guests forcefully push back against the mischaracterization of philanthropy as a partisan or violent force.
• Quote – Tanya Allen [04:29]:
  "Political violence is wrong, period...Philanthropy is not a political entity. It does not support political violence...We reject that mischaracterization 100%."

3. Defending Civil Society Amid Authoritarian Pressures

• The hosts and guests discuss the dangers of creeping authoritarianism, and the importance of nonpartisan defense of civil society, law, and constitutional rights.
• Quote – John Palfrey [07:39]:
  "I don't want to find out what an authoritarian version of America would look like. We're really just standing up for the Constitution...for the First Amendment...for all of our rights to do our good work unbothered by the federal government."

4. Beyond Foundation Self-Preservation – A Sector-wide Approach

• The guests acknowledge critiques that foundations can be self-protective and emphasize their commitment to inclusive, sector-wide advocacy for both grantmakers and operating nonprofits.
• Both MacArthur and McKnight have increased spending and reduced burdens on grantees.
• Quote – John Palfrey [11:22]:
  "Spending more, yes, we can and should...And there are certainly those...who are much, much higher... There are all sorts of things in terms of reducing grantee burdens that we need to do."
• Quote – Tonya Allen [13:14]:
  "We've been thinking about this as a full civil society approach...the sectoral response is not just about philanthropic organizations that give money. It's about those that serve community across the board, nonprofit and foundations and the like."

5. Navigating and Innovating Amid Political and Legal Headwinds

• The episode covers how philanthropy must adapt program strategy, particularly in contentious fields like climate change and racial justice.
• Tonya Allen shares how her foundation navigated legal risks to keep advancing equity and climate progress without putting partners in harm’s way.
• Quote – Tonya Allen [26:19]:
  "It's about being intentional. You can do the work that you need to do, you can design the work that you need to design and get to the outcomes you need to get to without using race as the driver and get to the people that you need to get to."

6. Crossing Ideological Divides

• Unite in Advance aspires to be ideologically pluralistic, finding common cause with donors on the left, right, and center.
• The speakers note support from various communities, including faith-based and traditionally conservative donors, and cite bipartisan support for free expression and charitable freedom.
• Quote – John Palfrey [16:51]:
  "We are speaking about something...that can join all Americans...We welcome those from across the ideological spectrum to join us in making this case."

7. The Case for Philanthropy’s Relevance, Especially Amid Governmental Withdrawal

• Guests urge listeners not to “sit it out,” even if the system feels flawed or if government is shirking its responsibility—they emphasize meeting real needs, now.
• The growing need for philanthropic support for areas like local media is highlighted as a new imperative.
• Quote – John Palfrey [31:31]:
  "Those are things that we do in America to support one another...There are more opportunities for philanthropy, put it that way. We can't meet all of these needs, but we need to be more generous. And so that's what I'd say...let's get in the game."

8. Practical Ways to Engage and Take Action

• Individuals can join the movement by standing in solidarity around shared core values, not required to take prescribed steps but encouraged to speak out and find community among like-minded donors.
• Direct contact with the Unite in Advance effort is welcomed.
• Quote – Tanya Allen [20:01]: "We're not requiring anyone to do anything but be in agreement with those sets of values...There is a role for every institution, if you believe in this ideology, that the First Amendment should rule when it comes to philanthropy, that there's a place for you."

9. Advice and Hope for Weary Donors

• The episode closes with notes of encouragement: donors should focus on supporting causes that bring them joy, and find hope in acting—even small acts matter.
• Quotes:
  • John Palfrey [38:17]: "We are the helpers, and there are lots of us who would love to join arms with you...maybe we disagree on 100 other things, but can we work together on this or that?"
  • Tanya Allen [38:51]: "Never give up hope. Give to something that gives you joy...Joy always will return."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tanya Allen [00:02]:
  "Any narrative that is being used to weaken what philanthropy is, is destructive. It is so important that we clarify and get that inaccuracy taken off record."

• John Palfrey [09:39]:
  "...we are standing up for all of our rights to do our good work unbothered by the federal government..."

• Tonya Allen [13:14]:
  "We cannot fight for the status quo. I think what we're trying to fight for is a future that doesn't exist..."

• Tanya Allen [30:41]:
  "We have to stop thinking that everything flows from Washington...what we do on the ground in communities, what leaders do is what's the most important thing that happens in America."

• John Palfrey [34:25]:
  “Let’s do more, right? And if you’re going to pull back the federal funding...we have to meet those same needs in community and be strong.”

• Tanya Allen [38:51]:
  “Give to something that gives you joy...if you can’t find something, then give to someone else that’s going to bring them joy and just wait for that joy to come back to you...Joy always will return.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Unite in Advance Overview: 01:34 – 03:19
• Responding to Threats and Mischaracterization of Philanthropy: 04:29 – 06:44
• Authoritarianism and Defending Civil Society: 06:50 – 09:39
• Sector-Wide Defense and Increased Philanthropic Spending: 11:22 – 13:14
• Moving Forward Amid Legal & Political Risks: 26:19 – 30:41
• Bridging Political Divides: 16:51 – 18:33
• Advice to Donors: Finding Joy and Hope: 38:17 – 39:17

Tone & Style

• The guests are measured but passionate, alternating between urgency ("we are fighting to preserve what we thought we would never have to fight for") and hope ("never give up hope...joy always will return").
• Throughout, the tone is one of inclusiveness, practical optimism, and clear-eyed acknowledgment of today’s challenges.
• Both guests frequently ground their points in American values, democratic traditions, and the importance of pluralism and constructive disagreement.

Conclusion

"Defending the Freedom to Give" is both a call to action and a reassuring hand for all donors, whether institutional or individual. It combines a frank assessment of acute pressures on the philanthropic sector with a vision for resilience, collaboration, and forward momentum, reminding listeners that defending the ability to give according to one’s values is foundational to American civil society—now more than ever.