The Power of Relationships in Philanthropy & Educational Access
The Power of Relationships in Philanthropy & Educational Access
This Cultivating Connections podcast episode features a rich conversation with George “Chip” Greenidge, Jr., a veteran in philanthropy, education and nonprofit leadership. He shares his insights on the importance of mentoring, his passion for higher education access and promoting racial justice.
The discussion with host David Crowley begins with a reflection on their long-standing relationship, spanning over two decades, and the early days of George’s career at the Boston Foundation. George shares his thoughts on the evolution of philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of personal engagement through site visits. He highlights how these interactions foster genuine connections and demonstrate a commitment to understanding the needs of communities, contrasting this with the more transactional nature of modern philanthropic practices.
George also delves into his motivations for pursuing a career in nonprofit work. He attributes his passion to his upbringing in the Greater Boston area, where he had wonderful mentors and access to prestigious educational institutions like Harvard and MIT. These experiences not only provided him with exceptional role models but also inspired him to advocate for college access and mentorship for young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. He discusses his founding of Greatest Minds, an organization designed to connect youth with mentors at various stages of their lives, reinforcing the idea that inspiration can come from peers as well as established figures.
The conversation also touches on George’s current role at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University. He reflects on how this position allows him to engage with global scholars and contribute to discussions around civic participation and democratic values. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the significance of building relationships within philanthropy and the necessity of nurturing connections over time to cultivate trust and support. His insights into the changing landscape of philanthropy, coupled with his personal anecdotes, provide listeners with a profound understanding of the intersection between education, mentorship, and community engagement.
About the Guest
George R. Greenidge, Jr. is a Democracy Visiting Fellow at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School. He is a Ph.D. candidate in Sociology at Georgia State University, where his current research focuses on the economic development of Black geographies and the impact of government displacement policies and gentrification on its residents and minority-owned businesses in urban cities. George received his BA in Political Science from Morehouse College and his master’s in Human Development & Psychology from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. He has worked as an Economic Fellow at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and an Urban Fellow with the GSU College of Law’s Center for the Comparative Study of Metropolitan Growth and the GSU’s Urban Studies Institute.
George has served in several capacities throughout his career in the nonprofit, government, philanthropy, and education fields. In his capacity as a non-profit executive, academic, and consultant, George has also pursued diversified partnerships with national and local policymakers, foundations, high-wealth individuals, corporations, and non-profit leaders to support his positive community development work. His research focuses on the use of qualitative research methods in policy development and program evaluation.
He is also the Founding Executive Director of Greatest MINDS, a Boston-based BIPOC-run nonprofit focused on mentoring young people as they explore college, career, citizenry, and volunteerism as a way to bring about positive change in civil society.
Read his full bio and learn more about him and his work on his website!
Episode Resources
Check out his article: Responsibility of Intellectuals to a Changing City from Harvard Kennedy School
Greatest MINDS is a non-profit organization that works with college students and young professionals to become the next generation of civic leaders through mentoring, volunteering, and participating. www.gminds.org
This episode was produced by Leah Mulrenan and David Crowley.
About SCI Social Capital Inc.
Our story at SCI centers on strengthening communities by intentionally cultivating connections through inclusive community programs, partnerships, and leadership development.
In June of 2002, SCI was founded by David Crowley. Returning to his hometown of Woburn, he created an organization focused on bringing people together. For two decades, we have taken action, big and small, to respond to what our community needs, in our hometown, and beyond.
The concept of social capital is about the importance of our social networks, and the value of the trust in relationships and communities. SCI addresses the need to increase the social capital of a community and the individuals in it.
SCI’s mission is to strengthen communities by connecting diverse individuals and organizations through civic engagement initiatives.
Coming Soon! (editing for technology’s mistakes!)
