Ways to Listen
Overcast
Episode Outline
0:34 Welcome Back!
2:38 Intro to Andy Mermans & the different places he’s lived
4:11 Maya invites Andy to share one authentic thing about himself, he shares that he’s a pragmatic person!
5:12 Liz shares how Give Impact is engaged with the Merancas Foundation as a client
5:44 Maya invites Andy to pull an affirmation card. He shares, “I am willing to see my sameness with others, this opens my awareness to oneness”
8:07 Liz and Andy school Maya on the different forms of Philanthropy
10:01 Andy explains what inspired him to get involved in Philanthropy and how his past and family led him to become the leader of the Foundation
18:22 Liz ties Andy’s past into how it all pieced together for his housing initiative, and he talks about their role as a foundation in the real estate space
20:48 Maya asks Andy to share what causes are closest to his heart
Personal: Women’s reproductive rights, local museums, schools, public radio
Professional: Affordable Housing, Education, Well-Being (Health, Safety, Food)
24:27 Andy shares how the Foundation chooses which projects and organizations to support
· Confidence in leadership
· The ability to articulate how the initiative will move the needle or be additive to a program that they already support
27:00 Andy talks about the Foundations two-stage process on how to inquire about funding
· Are we a match program -open year-round/ short online process
· Grant requests- Invite only
28:35 Andy shares who the Foundations long standing grantees are! Shout out to:
· Habitat for Humanity
· Roof Above
· Planned Parenthood
33:03 Andy drops a gem, “We take risks, so the community can benefit from those risks”
34:56 Liz asks Andy to share a story or experience that has filled his cup with his impact
38:52 Courtney thanks Andy and shares her experience of how she’s seen the men at Roof Above (fka: Urban Ministries Center) be impacted from his support
40:18 Andy shares about the tagline, “Making a difference one at a time”
42:24 Maya asks Andy what kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind
43:35 Andy expresses gratitude for Give Impact
47:10 Liz asks if there are any listeners who are interested in the land banking concept, to message us at Give Impact to inquire!
50:00 Andy gives advice to emerging philanthropists or people looking to make an impact through their dollars. “Go with your gut, don’t overstudy a problem” “Don’t ask for permission from others, if it’s right for you, it’s right for you”
50:45 Maya expands and asks him to share advice to nonprofits or organizations looking for support. “Know your audience and communicate effectively”