In this episode, we spotlight Yolanda Valenzuela, Executive Director of Kim’s Angels Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Kim Rapier and Glenn Verrett, which has donated over $100 million to nonprofits worldwide. Yolanda shares how her deep nonprofit experience helps allocate resources, foster collaboration, and support organizations in times of need. From rapid disaster response to surprise donations, she reveals the foundation’s impactful giving strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Collaborative Giving: Kim’s Angels requires nonprofits to work together, creating a network of shared resources.
• Diverse Impact: The foundation supports a wide range of causes globally, making funding decisions carefully.
• The Joy of Giving: Surprise donations and personal connections amplify the foundation’s impact.
• Sustainable Fundraising: Nonprofits must diversify funding and maximize event profitability.
• Rapid Response Philanthropy: Their immediate $2M commitment to the Uvalde tragedy demonstrates their swift, direct approach to giving.

Don’t miss this episode on the power of giving and community-driven change! 🎧

In this inspiring episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we spotlight Cody Knowlton, President and CEO of the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio. Since 2012, Cody has led the foundation in awarding grants to nearly 100 nonprofits annually, impacting healthcare, food security, and faith-based initiatives. With a background in higher education fundraising, Cody brings a unique perspective on both sides of philanthropy—soliciting and granting funds. He shares insights into the challenges of fundraising, the foundation’s most impactful grants, and how faith and strategy drive their mission.

Key Takeaways:
Fundraising vs. Grantmaking: Cody reflects on his years in fundraising and grantmaking, explaining why soliciting gifts is often more challenging than deciding who receives funding.
✅ The Power of Strategic Giving: The foundation has awarded over $100 million in grants while growing its endowment from $150M to $270M, showing the impact of responsible financial stewardship.
✅ Transformative Grants: Learn about the foundation’s first $1M grant to UT Health’s Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s, setting a precedent for high-impact giving.
✅ Faith as a Guiding Principle: The foundation’s mission is deeply rooted in faith, ensuring their work supports not just health initiatives but also the greater good of the community.

Tune in to hear how Cody and the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio are making a lasting difference, one grant at a time.

In this episode of Non-Profit North Stars with Jim Eskin, we spotlight Larry Kosow, Principal and Treasurer of Venture Tape, whose lifelong passion for philanthropy and Boston University has shaped his extraordinary journey. A dedicated BU alumnus with a deep family legacy at the university, Larry has played a pivotal role in supporting BU’s storied hockey program, including funding the university's TV broadcast booth in memory of his father.

Larry shares the story of his family's immigration, perseverance, and entrepreneurial success—how his grandfather's journey through Ellis Island and his father's service in World War II led to a deep-rooted commitment to education and philanthropy. He also dives into his love for BU hockey, his involvement with the Friends of BU Hockey, and how sports became a bridge between his family's values and his philanthropic efforts.

✅ Family Legacy & Philanthropy – How generational values shaped Larry’s commitment to giving back.
✅ The Power of Education – The impact of BU on Larry’s life and why he continues to support its programs.
✅ Building Community Through Sports – How Larry’s involvement in BU hockey helped forge a lasting legacy.
✅ Lessons in Business & Nonprofits – Insights from Larry’s entrepreneurial journey and how they translate to nonprofit success.
✅ Giving Back With Purpose – The importance of philanthropy in creating lasting change.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and the power of community.