Podcast Summary: "Going Big! with Kevin Gentry"
Episode: Helping Others Improve Their Lives: Evan Feinberg on Addressing Poverty with a Bottom-Up Approach
Release Date: November 25, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of "Going Big! with Kevin Gentry," host Kevin Gentry engages in an enlightening conversation with Evan Feinberg, the Chairman of the Stand Together Foundation. Celebrating Thanksgiving—a time emblematic of giving and gratitude—the episode delves into transformative strategies for addressing poverty and social barriers in America through bottom-up approaches.

Evan Feinberg’s Commitment to Addressing Poverty ([01:51])

Evan Feinberg opens by highlighting the staggering statistics of poverty in the United States: 40 million Americans currently experiencing poverty, with an additional 60 million struggling just above the poverty line. He emphasizes the multifaceted challenges, including mental health issues and addiction, that impede individuals from achieving their full potential. "There are just such significant barriers preventing so many people from realizing their full potential," Feinberg notes, underscoring his lifelong dedication to dismantling these obstacles.

Critique of Top-Down Approaches to Poverty ([03:56], [07:02])

Feinberg critiques the federal government's top-down strategies, such as the "War on Poverty," which have funneled over a trillion dollars annually without significant improvements in poverty rates or social mobility. He argues that these approaches often "solve the wrong problem" by assuming that massive funding and expert-driven solutions can eradicate poverty, leading instead to ineffective outcomes and increased community fragmentation.

Furthermore, Feinberg extends his criticism to philanthropy and nonprofit organizations, citing that "less than 2% of the publicly available randomized control studies on nonprofit interventions showed any meaningful statistically significant positive results." This revelation challenges the effectiveness of traditional philanthropic models, suggesting a need for "disruptive thinking" to achieve real change.

The Power of Bottom-Up Social Entrepreneurship ([09:09], [12:01])

Shifting focus, Feinberg advocates for a bottom-up paradigm where ordinary citizens and local communities drive change through social entrepreneurship. He illustrates this approach with the metaphor of replacing "they got this" with "we got this," fostering a collective responsibility among neighbors to support one another.

"Empowerment is really about tapping into one's unique gifts and talents to contribute in the world," Feinberg explains, emphasizing that meaningful, sustained change emerges from organic, community-driven efforts rather than centralized directives.

Case Studies of Successful Social Entrepreneurs

1. Careportal ([14:06])

Careportal tackles the child welfare system by leveraging technology to connect social workers with individuals willing to support vulnerable families. "They put a church at the center to distribute needs and establish relationships," Feinberg explains, showcasing how faith communities can play a pivotal role in preventing children from entering foster care. The initiative has successfully helped 120,000 kids stay out of the foster system in the past year, demonstrating the efficacy of community-based solutions.

2. The Phoenix ([17:01])

Addressing substance use disorder, The Phoenix employs a peer-to-peer recovery model centered around physical fitness and community support. Founder Scott Strode’s personal recovery journey inspired the creation of a movement that now boasts over 500,000 members nationwide. "Belonging and community could overcome addiction," Feinberg highlights, presenting The Phoenix as a successful alternative to traditional clinical treatments with notoriously high relapse rates.

3. Cafe Momentum ([19:51])

Cafe Momentum transforms the lives of youth emerging from the juvenile justice system by employing them in high-performing restaurants. Founder Chad Hauser’s innovative approach fosters trust and relationships, challenging societal stereotypes and providing stable, meaningful employment. "Chad really builds a familial environment," Feinberg remarks, illustrating how such initiatives can reshape perceptions and empower marginalized youth.

Evan Feinberg’s Journey and the Stand Together Foundation ([23:16], [26:07])

Feinberg shares his personal narrative of transitioning from political science and Capitol Hill to founding the Stand Together Foundation. Inspired by Charles Koch’s principles of freedom and bottom-up empowerment, Feinberg sought to apply these philosophies to philanthropy and community development. Over nine years, Stand Together has evolved into a philanthropic community comprising America’s most successful business leaders dedicated to solving the country’s toughest problems through grassroots initiatives.

"We empower my neighbors to live their best lives as I live mine," Feinberg states, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to fostering unity and communal support.

Engaging with the Stand Together Foundation ([28:37])

As Chairman, Feinberg elaborates on Stand Together Foundation’s mission to identify and support social entrepreneurs across the nation. By providing training, management frameworks, and affirmation, the foundation cultivates a robust network of 350+ organizations committed to bottom-up empowerment. Future initiatives aim to match volunteers with impactful opportunities, enhancing civic engagement beyond traditional political activism.

Effective Philanthropic Giving ([30:45], [35:56])

Addressing common concerns about the effectiveness of charitable contributions, Feinberg advises:

1. Trust Personal Intuition: "Don't trust any of the measures that you're getting from the nonprofits that are sharing with you," he cautions, encouraging donors to visit nonprofits and speak directly with beneficiaries.

2. Seek Customer-First Measurements: Ask organizations for feedback from the people they serve to gauge true impact rather than relying solely on superficial metrics.

3. Align Giving with Joy and Purpose: "Give because it meets your service motive," Feinberg urges, highlighting that philanthropy should stem from a desire to contribute meaningfully rather than obligation.

Feinberg emphasizes that effective giving "creates more value for everyone," advocating for an investment mindset where donors actively engage with and support transformative initiatives.

The Influence of Faith Communities ([36:25])

Feinberg underscores the pivotal role of faith communities in driving social change, citing a Baylor University study that estimates faith-based organizations add between $1.2 trillion and $4 trillion in value to the American economy annually. These communities serve as natural hubs for bottom-up empowerment, fostering relationships and mutual support that are essential for addressing complex social issues.

"Faith communities are a place where people are naturally organized and they're naturally motivated to love and serve their neighbor," Feinberg asserts, advocating for the integration of faith-based efforts in social entrepreneurship to maximize impact.

Reframing Philanthropy: From Charity to Investment ([38:59], [39:33])

Challenging traditional notions of charity, Feinberg reframes philanthropy as an investment in human potential rather than a zero-sum redistribution of resources. "Giving is a way to invest in improving the lives of others," he explains, highlighting the intrinsic meaning and purpose derived from contributing to others’ success.

Feinberg argues that this perspective fosters a vibrant, interconnected society, where mutual benefit and community resilience thrive. By viewing philanthropy as an active investment, individuals can derive personal fulfillment while driving collective progress.

Inspiring Unity and Action ([43:39], [45:48])

In his closing remarks, Feinberg calls for a collective effort to heal the toxic divisions and polarization plaguing America. He advocates for a paradigm shift towards unity of purpose and community-based solutions that leverage the strengths of social entrepreneurs and everyday citizens alike.

"We can replace the toxic division with unity of purpose by seeing and serving one another in our communities," Feinberg encourages, inspiring listeners to embrace a community-driven ethos that has the potential to transform the nation.

Final Thoughts

Kevin Gentry concludes the episode by reiterating the importance of 10xing fundraising effectiveness and addressing root societal problems through transformative approaches. He encourages listeners to engage with the Stand Together Foundation and other resources to go big in their philanthropic and community efforts.

Listener Takeaway: This episode serves as a powerful testament to the impact of bottom-up empowerment and social entrepreneurship in combating poverty and fostering community resilience. By embracing these strategies, individuals and organizations can make a lasting, positive difference in their communities and beyond.

Connect with the Podcast:

• Listen on: Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Pandora, YouTube
• Follow on Social Media: Stand Together Foundation
• Website: 10xStrategies.com
• Free Weekly Fundraising Tips: Available on the website